OJ Simpson dead latest news: Former NFL player dies aged 76 after cancer battle ... trends now By Emily Jane Davies Published: 15:58 BST, 11 April 2024 | Updated: 16:13 BST, 11 April 2024 Viewcomments Advertisement In 1998, OJ tried to play a joke on a British journalist by pretending to stab her with a banana The NFL footballer's passing was announced by his family on X Simpson had a successful NFL career but was best known for his acquittal following the high-profile murder trial in 1995 Despite a successful NFL career, Simpson was best known for his acquittal following the high-profile murder trial in 1995, dubbed the 'Trial of the Century'. The circumstances around his arrest were equally salacious, with Simpson leading cops on a low speed chase. Millions tuned in to watch the 90 minute pursuit between cops and Simpson's white Bronco across southern California before his eventual arrest in Brentwood. Simpson was wanted in connection with the deaths of Brown and Goldman, who were found brutally stabbed to death outside her Los Angeles home. Who is OJ Simpson? Simpson became one of the most infamous figures in America after he was charged with murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman in 1994. He was later cleared of the killings. Simpson, a former football running back who played 11 seasons with the Buffalo Bills, reinvented himself as an actor before Brown and Goldman's murders. Although cleared of the murders, his reputation was ruined forever and the latter part of his career was marked by a series of seedy ventures. After being acquitted, Simpson went on to be found civilly liable for the murders and was later forced to pay out $33.5million in damages to the Brown and Goldman families. He faced further legal troubles when he was sentenced to nine to 33 years behind bars for armed robbery in Nevada in 2008. It was previously reported that Simpson was battling prostate cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. The footballer turned wife killer died at home 'surrounded by family' An X post shared on his official account by his family said: '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 Simpson Family.' OJ Simpson dead at 76 after cancer battle It has been announced that OJ Simpson has died aged 76 after a battle with cancer. The notorious wife killer died surrounded by his family at his home in Las Vegas on Wednesday night. Follow MailOnline's live blog for more updates. TOP STORIES OJ Simpson Share or comment on this article: OJ Simpson dead latest news: Former NFL player dies aged 76 after cancer battle as family releases statement All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility