Varied Reactions To O.J. Simpson's Death: Relief & Happiness Predominate

Following the news of O.J. Simpson's passing, his name began trending on social media as the public was seemingly happy the former NFL player was dead.

On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, Simpson passed away after battling prostate cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren at the time of his death.

As you know, Simpson is not only known for his time in the NFL, but for being the prime suspect in the double homicide of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman.

"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 family said in a statement.

Last year, Simpson told the public that he "caught cancer" and "had to do the whole chemo thing."

He later added, "It looks like I beat it."

After news broke that the former NFL player had passed, his name began to trend on social media, with many claiming he was going to Hell.

"The Devil after seeing O.J. Simpson walking through the depths of Hell," one X user wrote along with a GIF.

"O.J. Simpson running from the demons in Hell," another said after posting a video from his time in the NFL.

One X user shared, "O.J. Simpson telling everybody to get their COVID shots like he did. Now he’s dead of #TurboCancer. I didn’t think anything could kill this guy. And I feel no guilt using him as an example."

"As the saying goes: They say we should only speak good of the dead. OJ Simpson is dead. Good," another wrote.

The posts did not end there, as one user expressed, "O.J. Simpson died? Need to know how he tried to get into heaven, and Nicole laughed in his face with God, and now he’s in the depths of Hell.

"Rip to the best that ever did it and got away with it, O.J. Simpson," another said.

"OJ Simpson is dead...," one user said before adding, "That's it...that's the tweet."

On June 12, 1994, O.J. Simpson's ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, were found murdered outside of her condo in Los Angeles, California. O.J. Simpson was the prime suspect.

While many are talking about Simpson's death, some want to take the time to remember Nicole.

"In 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson was brutally murdered. OJ Simpson got to live another 30 years before dying today from cancer at 76. Nobody was ever convicted of killing her, but everyone knows who did it!" Michael Wallace wrote in an X post. "Rather than focusing exclusively on him, let’s take a second to remember her!"

"Thinking of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman - and their families," another stated.

One X user said, "For better or worse, O.J. Simpson was the 90s. While I don’t mourn his passing, when a cultural force of nature dies, it feels like the marking of the end of an era."

According to TMZ, O.J.'s loved ones flew into Las Vegas over the past few days to see him before he passed, as they allegedly "knew the end was coming."

Following the news, Hall Of Fame President Jim Porter said, "O.J. Simpson was the first player to reach a rushing mark many thought could not be attained in a 14-game season when he topped 2,000 yards. His on-field contributions will be preserved in the Hall's archives in Canton, Ohio."

O.J. Simpson was named NFL MVP in 1973, the same year he became the first player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. Other notable achievements during his time in the NFL include being selected to the Pro Bowl six times and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.