O.J. Simpson to be Cremated, Brain Not Donated for Research, Longtime Lawyer Reveals

Apr 16, 10:00 AM

As some of the world mourns the passing of O.J. Simpson, new details emerge regarding the handling of his remains and his family's decisions regarding scientific research.

Malcolm LaVergne, Simpson's longtime lawyer and executor of his estate, disclosed to PEOPLE that Simpson will be cremated, and contrary to speculation, his brain will not be available for study.

LaVergne clarified, "His entire body, his brain, everything, his fake hips, his fake knees, everything, that all goes into the crematorium."

Despite inquiries from medical centers conducting research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), LaVergne emphasized that Simpson's family firmly declined such requests. CTE is a neurodegenerative brain disease linked to repeated head injuries, prevalent among professional athletes.

Symptoms of CTE encompass cognitive difficulties, depression, impulsive behavior, memory impairment, and emotional instability, among others, as outlined by the Mayo Clinic.

Simpson's passing reignites attention on the infamous 1994 murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, for which he was controversially acquitted. A recent revelation highlights Simpson's substantial debt to the Goldman family, estimated at over $100 million, as reported by attorney David Cook.

Cook expressed the family's long-standing frustration, asserting that Simpson evaded financial restitution despite court rulings mandating payment. LaVergne's stance regarding the estate's allocation has stirred controversy, initially advocating for the Goldman family to receive "zero, nothing."

However, LaVergne expressed a softened stance in a subsequent interview with PEOPLE, suggesting a reconsideration of his earlier remarks.

Simpson's family announced his passing on social media, requesting privacy and grace during their time of mourning. The post shared the news of Simpson's demise due to cancer, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

As the legal battles over Simpson's estate loom, the details surrounding his cremation and the family's refusal for brain donation reflect a poignant chapter in the controversial legacy of O.J. Simpson.

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