A few months ago, Kyren Lacy was LSU’s star wide receiver, gearing up for the NFL draft and dreaming of Sundays under stadium lights. But behind the stats and highlight reels, Lacy was battling demons no one saw coming. At just 24, he died by apparent suicide during a police pursuit in Houston, leaving the LSU community stunned and heartbroken. Mental health is a topic that’s continuing to make its way into the locker room, and athletes like Hailey Van Lith has played a part in helping the conversation get there.
The former LSU and TCU basketball player has been unexpectedly open about her own experience with depression and suicidal thoughts, even as she thrived on the court. “When I was younger in college, I was suicidal, I was heavily medicated and felt trapped. And you would never know it because I was having a ton of success on the court,” Van Lith shared, highlighting how invisible these struggles can be.
Now, in the wake of Lacy’s tragedy, Van Lith issued a heartfelt plea: “I would suggest all athletes to work with a sports psychologist, no matter what sport player. I highly recommend every young athlete get help on the mental side.” Her message is clear—before another life is lost, it’s time for the sports world to take mental health as seriously as physical training.
HVL: “I would suggest all athletes to work with a sports psychologist, no matter what sport player. I highly recommend every young athlete get help on the mental side”
— Karli Bell (@KarliBell33) April 17, 2025
(This is a developing story)
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