American veteran football player, actor, and broadcaster Orenthal James Simpson fondly known as OJ Simpson passed away on Wednesday after battling cancer.
RIP
His family announced through his social media platforms yesterday (Thursday) that he lost his battle with cancer. "On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace," the family said. It was reported in February that the former American football star was diagnosed with prostate cancer. OJ had previously denied being ill. "My health is good. I mean, obviously, I'm dealing with some issues, but I think I'm just about over it." he said in a video two months ago.
THE INFAMOUS CASE
OJ married Nicole Brown who complained to friends about alleged abuse in her marriage. This was after a fight at the New Year's Eve party, in 1989. He allegedly threatened to kill her, and the couple divorced in 1992 citing irreconcilable differences. In 1994, Nicole and her friend Ronald Goldman were found stabbed to death outside her home in Los Angeles. Evidence led police to suspect OJ due to alleged abuse. After being ordered to surrender,he vanished but they tracked him down and he was found in possession of a gun, his passport, cash, and a disguise and insisted he was not guilty. In 1995, OJ was acquitted of the murders but was later found liable for both deaths in a civil lawsuit filed by Goldman's father. The court ordered him to pay the Goldman's 30 million US dollars.
FAMILY
O.J was born in San Francisco, USA. His aunt named him Orenthal, after a French actor she liked. While in high school, he displayed potential and love for football but struggled with his academics. After some time, he was admitted to the University of Southern California as a halfback and became a college football superstar at USC, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968. OJ was married twice and had five kids, four of whom are still alive. His daughter Aaren, born in 1977 died a month before turning two years old after drowning in the family pool.
