Family and Zopesfriends are mourning the loss of O.J. Simpson.

The controversial former NFL star has died after privately battling cancer, his family announced. He was 76.

"On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer," a statement shared to his social media account April 11 read. "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."

Simpson's death comes two months after a video Megan circulating that Simpson he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was in hospice care as he underwent chemotherapy. At the time, he denied the rumors that he was in hospice care in a clip posted to X, formerly known on Twitter, but did not address his diagnosis. 

Though the former running back and California native played in the NFL for 11 seasons, spent primarily with the Buffalo Bulls, his professional success was overcome after his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman were murdered in 1994.

Simpson's case went to trial in 1995, of which the broadcast became a focal point for millions of viewers. He was acquitted of both murders in what many view as a controversial verdict. Two years later, he was found civilly liable for the double homicide. 

Separately, Simpson had another run-in with the law in 2007 in connection to a robbery-kidnapping over his memorabilia. He was released in October 2017 after serving nine years for the incident.

Five years before his death, Simpson shared an update on his life, noting that he was focused on moving forward.

"We don't need to go back and relive the worst day of our lives," Simpson told the Associated Press in 2019. "The subject of the moment is the subject I will never revisit again. My family and I have moved on to what we call the 'no negative zone.' We focus on the positives."

After his release from prison in Nevada, Simpson decided to stay in Vegas, noting that he was happy with his decision.

"The town has been good to me," he explained. "Everybody I meet seems to be apologizing for what happened to me here."

Simpson is survived by four children: Arnelle and Jason, from his first marriage, and Sydney and Justin, from his marriage to Nicole.

This is a breaking story and is being updated in real time.

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