O.J. Simpson Dies: Football Superstar And Actor Acquitted Of Double Murder In Televised Trial Of The Century Was 76

O.J. Simpson, the college and NFL football legend, Hollywood actor, broadcaster and pitchman who famously was acquitted of murdering his wife and her friend in 1994, resulting in the televised trial of the century, died Wednesday of cancer, his family has announced. He was 76.

“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.”

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

Simpson was accused of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman outside her West Los Angeles apartment in June 1994 that led to the infamous slow-speed pursuit that captivated the nation and much of the world.

When police sought to question him about the killings, Simpson vowed to turn himself in at LAPD headquarters but failed to show and then was announced to be a fugitive from justice. His white Ford Bronco, driven by longtime friend and ex-teammate A.C. Cowlings, was spotted on an Orange County freeway, and the most famous of all televised TV pursuits was on. Crowds lined the overpasses to witness history, many cheering him on.

Cowlings told police via telephone that Simpson had a gun pointed to his head, and police allowed him to drive the Bronco back to Simpson’s stately home on Rockingham Avenue in Brentwood, where he eventually was taken into custody.

The resulting trial was