OJ Simpson has died at the age of 76.

The former American Football running back and actor died yesterday after a battle with cancer, his family said in a statement.

They said he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Once regarded as one of the greatest NFL running backs of all time, Simpson hit the headlines around the world when he was charged with the murder of his former wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman.

After one of the most high-profile court trials in history, he was eventually acquitted of both murders.

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

— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) April 11, 2024

The former NFL running back said in February that he was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

Nicknamed 'The Juice', he rose to fame in US sport for his achievements as part of the Buffalo Bills.

He was enrolled in the NFL Hall of Fame and was the first running back to gain 2,000 yards in a season in 1973.

Simpson also became known as a pitchman, football commentator and actor, appearing in a number of TV and film roles including the 'Naked Gun' movie series.

Trial

After his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman were stabbed to death at her Los Angeles home in 1994, Simpson was charged with two counts of first degree murder.

He was acquitted the next year after a trial watched by millions worldwide, before a civil wrongful death suit found him liable for the deaths in 1997.

Simpson was ordered to pay $33.5m (€31.2m) in damages.

He was later arrested in 2007 for armed robbery and kidnapping after an incident at a Las Vegas hotel room and was sentenced to 33 years in prison in 2008.

After nine years in a Nevada prison, Simpson was discharged from parole and released early for good behaviour in 2021.