O.J. Simpson's Lawyer Debunks Claims He Was Surrounded By Kids At Death
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Contrary to previous reports that O.J. Simpson's final moments were witnessed by his children, his lawyer claims none of them were present.
The latest details about the former NFL star's death come a week after he passed away on April 10 following a difficult battle with prostate cancer. At the time, his family announced his death via a poignant statement on social media.
O.J. Simpson Reportedly Died In The Presence Of A 'Close Family Member'
Simpson's attorney, Malcom LaVergne, recently addressed his final moments in an emotional interview. He debunked the viral claims that his client had died surrounded by loved ones — which was shared by the family on X.
Their message alleged that Simpson "succumbed to his battle with cancer" while "surrounded by his children and grandchildren." Naturally, many were touched by the family's dutiful nature in the former athlete's last moments, but it appeared to be a lie.
According to LaVergne, Simpson's children and grandchildren were nowhere near him when he took his final breath. Instead, the 76-year-old passed away in the presence of a "close family member," whom the attorney refused to identify.
Although his client's children — those from his first marriage and those he had with his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson before she died in 1994 — were not there to witness his last moments, LaVergne stressed to The Associated Press that it did not diminish the love they had for their father.
O.J. Simpson's Children Got To Experience Two Sides Of Their Father
Regarding Simpson's children, his attorney raved about the affection between them and their father. "You have to remember that they've shared O.J. with the world their entire lives," LaVergne claimed, adding:
"At first, they shared good O.J. But still he was famous. And then, in 1994 on, they kind of had to share bad boy O.J. with the world. But at the end of the day, these children just lost a father."
"And they have the added burden that he is one of the most famous people on the planet, and who is polarizing and who is surrounded by controversy," the attorney explained before sharing details of his final meetings with the former football star.
LaVergne recalled that his last robust discussion with Simpson was just before Easter, at the country club home he leased southwest of the Las Vegas Strip. "He was awake, alert, and chilling," the attorney said, noting:
"He's on the couch ... drinking a beer and watching TV. And so that was the last time we had effective back-and-forth conversations. He's usually the one who keeps me up on the news ... so we were just catching up on the news then."
More About O.J. Simpson's Final Moments
As previously reported by The Blast, Simpson's family announced the former American footballer's death in a social media post. Following the heartbreaking update, reports claimed his children were by his side in his final moments.
The 76-year-old's four children, Jason, Arnelle, Sydney, and Justin, allegedly rushed to be by their father's side after medical professionals gave notice of his impending transitions.
Although the exact time they got to his residence is unknown, family members were spotted visiting Simpson last Friday. However, sources claimed those who entered his residence in those final hours were obligated to stay quiet.
Friends and family members allegedly signed NDAs to safeguard the media personality's privacy. The protocol also extended to medical personnel who attended to Simpson during his time under hospice care.
Simpson's Family Is Against Donating His Brain For Medical Research
Following Simpson's death, The Blast revealed his family was against donating his brain for medical studies. Sources claimed doctors requested his organ to determine if the former athlete had suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease that affects many retired football players who suffered multiple concussions during their careers. Simpson's lawyer revealed medical centers wanted to see if his client fitted the bill.
“With O.J., everything's wild, but I've been getting calls from medical centers that are doing CTE testing asking me for OJ's brain . . . that is not happening,” LaVergne said.
Simpson Asked To Be Cremated
Unfortunately for those after Simpson's brain, their curiosity will not be satiated thanks to his final wishes. According to LaVergne, his client wanted to be cremated, and he has signed off on the paperwork for his cremation.
However, he explained that he wanted Simpson's children to reach a "consensus" before things moved forward. On that note, he predicted the cremation paperwork would be finalized this week.
“Tuesday is the predicted . . . day that he will actually be cremated,” LaVergne said, “That's what OJ wanted. Those are OJ's wishes, and that's what the kids are telling me.”
