OJ Simpson has died following a battle with cancer, his family has announced on social media.
The former NFL star-turned-actor was acquitted of murdering his wife Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman, two decades ago in a trial that took the globe by storm.
From the start, OJ Simpson declared himself “absolutely 100% not guilty”.
According to prosecutors, Simpson allegedly killed Brown out of jealousy, presenting blood, hair, and fibers as evidence to connect him to the crime. Simpson’s defense team countered by asserting that the athlete was being set up by racially biased white law enforcement officers.
The jury took fewer than four hours to deliver a verdict – and when it did, crowds outside erupted into cheers.
But Simpson was subsequently held responsible for their deaths in a civil lawsuit, and was mandated to compensate the victims’ families with £26.7 million in damages.
Death announced
His family posted the announcement of his death on Twitter/X, saying that he was surrounded by children and grandchildren when he passed on April 10.
While US media started reporting in February that OJ Simpson was being treated for prostate cancer, he never personally confirmed the diagnosis. The reports only ever cited “sources”.
Dr Jiri Kubes, radiation oncologist and medical director of the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, Czech Republic, said:
“Prostate cancer in the early stages can be hard to diagnose because it often comes without symptoms.
“However, men should keep a close eye on any changes in urinary habits including needing to go to the toilet more often and difficulty emptying their bladder.
“These changes don’t necessarily mean someone has prostate cancer, but there are checks that can be carried out to rule out such a diagnosis.”
What other symptoms should you look out for?
“Further symptoms we often see in our patients are difficulty in starting to urinate or a weak flow, as well as blood or semen in the urine.”
When should you see your GP?
“It is vital men know what to look out for and speak to their doctor if they have any concerns at all.
“GPs can ask for a blood test which measures levels of prostate specific antigen, referred to as a PSA test. Physical exams and biopsies can also help to confirm a diagnosis.
“We don’t know the causes of prostate cancer but we do know some men are more at risk than others.
“They include men over the age of 50, members of the black community and anyone with a family history of the disease.
“It’s really important for anyone who falls into these groups to keep a close eye on their health and speak with their GP if they are concerned.
“Diagnosis of prostate cancer can be a devastating blow for men, but catching it as early as possible is key and the treatment options are improving.”
