OJ Simpson, whose trial consumed the country in the 90s, dies NBC 7 San Diego [Video]

O.J. Simpson, a former football star who was acquitted of killing his ex-wife and her friend in what became known as “The Trial of the Century,” but who was then found liable for their deaths in a civil procedure, has died after a battle with cancer, his family said.

He was 76.

Simpson’s journey — from football stardom to celebrity as an actor and broadcaster, and finally to criminal notoriety — made him, in the words of one of his lawyers, one of the most famous people on the planet.

His family announced his death on his X account, tweeting “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.”

Born Orenthal James Simpson, he grew up in public housing in San Francisco’s Portrero Hill neighborhood, going on to play running back for …