A lawyer representing O.J. Simpson, who died of cancer last week at age 76, said Sunday that the former NFL star's body will be cremated within the next few days and there are no plans to donate his brain to science. he said.
“At least once, someone called me and said they had CTE and they were studying the brain,” attorney Malcolm LaVergne said, referring to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a former football player who has been studied. , mentioned chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease associated with behavior and behaviors. Cognitive problems associated with repeated head trauma.
“That's an absolute no,” LaVergne added. “The whole body, including the brain, will be cremated.”
News of the request for cremation and brain research was first reported by the New York Post.
LaVergne, who currently serves as the executor of Simpson's estate, said there are tentative plans for a “celebration of life” gathering limited to close friends and family. Simpson had three children with his first wife Margaret Whitley and two children with his second wife Nicole Brown Simpson, but they divorced in 1992. did. In 1995, Simpson was famously acquitted of the murders of Brown Simpson and his friend Ronald Goldman.
Mr. Lavergne on Sunday also clarified comments he made to the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Friday, in which he said he did not want Mr. Goldman's family to collect any money from Mr. Simpson's estate. I hope I don't receive anything, zero.” ”
“Less than an hour after we announced Mr. Simpson's death, Mr. Simpson and all sorts of other things… “They're bashing us and saying, 'This is what we're going to do.'”
“In hindsight, I think that was pretty harsh for saying, 'I hope they get zero or nothing,'” Lavergne added. “Now that I understand my role as executor and personal representative, it is time to tone down the rhetoric and actually address my role as personal representative.”
Mr. Lavergne said he will invite legal representatives of the Goldman family to review the findings as he works to calculate the value of Mr. Simpson's estate and inventory his assets and belongings. Stated.
“We can solve this problem in a calm and dispassionate way,” LaVergne said.
After Mr. Simpson's death, Mr. Goldman's father, Fred Goldman, expressed no sympathy for the fallen Hall of Fame icon becoming a Hollywood salesman, telling NBC News, “It's not a huge loss to the world.” he said. It's just another reminder that Ron is gone. ”
Mr. Simpson, who had long maintained his innocence in the deaths of Mr. Brown and Mr. Goldman, died without repaying most of the $33.5 million wrongful death judgment awarded in 1997 in a lawsuit filed by the victims' families. Ta.
Mr Lavergne said he welcomed Fred Goldman and his lawyer David Cook's efforts to figure out other financial assets, but with Mr Simpson's death the estate will have to pay for the claims “in order of priority”. said that the funds must be distributed to creditors who have.
“Goldman and other creditors have been playing for decades, 'If we can find the first one for Simpson, we'll get it or we'll get most of it,'” Lavergne said. .
“But remember, if he finds $1 million, he can't keep that $1 million anymore,” he added. “The $1 million will go into the property first. Then we'll see where the priorities are, and then he's number eight on the priority list, so he's going to keep it.”
Mr. Lavergne said Mr. Simpson's debts include debts to the Internal Revenue Service. After a lawsuit against Mr. Simpson was filed 30 years ago, much of Mr. Simpson's belongings, including footballs, jerseys, and other sports memorabilia, were seized from his Brentwood, Calif., estate to pay off a judgment. Before Simpson passed away, he lived in Las Vegas.
Cook said Sunday that as Simpson's financial situation becomes clearer, there will be strong interest from lawyers for the various parties seeking compensation.
But “everyone knows when O.J. left. He left with no penance,” Cook said.
Mr. Goldman and Mr. Cook said the case against Mr. Simpson is not about money, but rather seeking post-acquittal justice.
Fred Goldman said in a previous statement after winning a civil lawsuit that he was “holding the man responsible for killing my son and Nicole.”
Simpson's will also asks Laverne to set aside funds to erect a “suitable memorial” at the cemetery. Mr. Simpson also wants the document to be administered “without litigation or dispute,” and if a beneficiary or heir does not comply with the order, they will “be entitled to $1.00 without trust.” You shall receive it, and nothing more shall be accepted in return.” Any claimed interest in this Will or its assets. ”
