Aaren Simpson: How O.J. Simpson's daughter passed away

Aaren Simpson: How O.J. Simpson's daughter passed away

O.J. Simpson was an American football player, on-screen star and media personality who played in the NFL for 11 seasons. Regarded as one of the greatest running backs ever, he made headlines several times for all the wrong reasons. However, his saddest one yet was the death of his daughter, Aaren Simpson.

Aaren Simpson
O.J. Simpson during a 2017 parole hearing (L). James, his second wife, Brown, and his kids during the 1994 premiere of Naked Gun 33 1/3 (R). Photo: Jason Bean, Barry King (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

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Losing a child is every parent’s nightmare. The pain that comes with the loss has no measure. Sadly, the late O.J. Simpson met his worst fear as a father and significantly one of the lowest moments of his life in 1979 when his third child died. So, what happened to Aaren Simpson?

Aaren Simpson’s profile summary

Full nameAaren Lashone Simpson
NicknameAaren
GenderFemale
Date of birth24 September 1977
Date of death 26 August 1979
Age at death1 year 11 months
Zodiac signLibra
Birthplace Westlake, California, USA
Place of burialHoly Cross Cemetery, Los Angeles, USA
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityAfrican-American
ReligionChristianity
Hair colourBlack
Eye colourDark brown
ParentsMarguerite Whitley and O.J. Simpson
SiblingsArnelle, Jason Lamar, Sydney Brooke (half-sister), Justin Ryan Simpson (half-brother)
Famous forBeing O.J. Simpson’s daughter

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Who was Aaren Simpson?

The late Aaren Simpson was the last-born child to Orenthal James and his first wife, Marguerite Whitley.

Aaren Simpson's facts
The late O.J. Simpson, his ex-wife, Whitley, and their kids, Arnelle and Jason, posing for a portrait at their Los Angeles home in 1973. Photo: Michael Ochs Archives
Source: Original

Unfortunately, she had just begun making baby steps when an unfortunate incident occurred, tragically ending her life. There is scanty information available about Aaren’s life before she met her untimely death.

How did Aaren Simpson die?

O.J. Simpson’s daughter drowned in the family’s swimming pool as she was taking a stroll around the house. Shortly after, her relatives found her, but she was unconscious. They immediately sought medical assistance.

After the medics arrived, they performed CPR and were able to revive the baby. Aaren was then rushed to Los Angeles’ University of California Medical Centre. She lay in a coma for a few days at the facility before being put on life support.

Sadly, O.J. Simpson’s daughter passed away a few days later due to respiratory failure. She was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, Los Angeles, after a private memorial service attended by close family members and friends.

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All donations towards the tragedy were channelled towards UCLA in Aaren’s name. According to TODAY, Orenthal once revealed in a 2004 interview that he and his first wife never discussed their daughter’s drowning.

We never wanted to discuss it. Sadly, it happened. It was a tremendous loss. We dealt with it and moved on.
Marguerite Whitley Simpson during a 1977 movie premiere in Los Angeles, California
Former NFL player O.J. Simpson and his ex-wife Marguerite Whitley Simpson during a 1977 movie premiere in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Michael Ochs Archives
Source: Getty Images

How old was Aaren Simpson when she died?

The celebrity child was born on 24 September 1977. Unfortunately, Aaren Simpson died on 26 August 1979, a month shy of her second birthday. Today, she would be in her late forties.

Who was O.J. Simpson?

The late sportscaster, well recognized by his nickname ‘’Juice,’’ gained notoriety due to his pitch prowess as an American footballer.

He primarily played for the Buffalo Bills. Nonetheless, the sportsman’s professional success was overshadowed by his trial and controversial acquittal for the murder of his second wife.

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O.J. Simpson’s marriage life

Orenthal James Simpson was in two unsuccessful marriages. Here is a dive into O.J. Simpson’s family:

Marguerite Whitley

James married Marguerite Whitley in 1967, but they divorced in 1979, reportedly due to his extramarital affairs and domestic violence.

Together, they had two other kids: Arnelle and Jason Lamar Simpson. Per the Los Angeles Times, as of 2016, Lamar worked as a chef at an Atlanta restaurant.

Nicole Brown

Orenthal and Brown tied the knot in 1985. The duo shared two kids: Sydney Brooke and Justin Ryan Simpson. However, their marriage was not a smooth one, as he regularly emotionally and physically abused her.

By the end of 1989, police have visited the couple’s home eight times for domestic violence calls. According to ABC News, Nicole was murdered outside her house on 12 June 1994.

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O.J. Simpson and his daughter Arnelle during a birthday celebration in 2007 (L). The late sportsman during a 2013 court hearing (R)
O.J. Simpson and his daughter Arnelle during a birthday celebration in 2007 (L). The late sportsman during a 2013 court hearing (R). Photo: Alexander Tamargo, Julie Jacobson (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Soon after Brown’s murder, James was arrested as the primary suspect. However, he was acquitted in 1995 despite DNA evidence on the scene and his history of domestic violence.

In a civil lawsuit in 1997, he was found liable for the murder but paid little of the $33.5 million judgment. In 2008, Orenthal was sentenced to 33 years in prison after being found guilty of a robbery and kidnapping offence. He served his sentence until 2007.

Where is O.J. Simpson now?

In 2024, the former sportsman's family announced his death via an X (Twitter) post that in part read:

On 10 April, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. His children and grandchildren surrounded him. During this time, the family asks that you respect their privacy wishes.

FAQs

Beyond his sporting career, O.J. Simpson frequently found himself on the wrong side of the law. Below are some frequently asked questions about him;

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What was Aaren Simpson's cause of death?

The celebrity kid, who was barely two years old, died of respiratory failure after she drowned in the family’s pool.

Where was Aaren Simpson buried?

Aaren Simpson’s grave is in Holy Cross Cemetery, Los Angeles, California, USA. It has been over four decades since her death.

The late sportscaster during a 2006 expo in Edison, New Jersey
The late sportscaster during a 2006 expo in Edison, New Jersey. Photo: Bobby Bank
Source: Getty Images

What is O.J. Simpson known for?

The ex-media personality was famous for the widely televised murder trial, which divided the country mainly along racial lines.

Who raised Nicole Brown’s kids?

Nicole’s family provided care for Sydney and Justin throughout their dad’s trial, and following his acquittal, he shared custody of the two children with the family.

Aaren Simpson’s death was a great shock to her family and the whole world at large. Undoubtedly, the incident left an indelible scar in the hearts of her loved ones. While her dad was an ex-convict, his kids are independent of his societal misgivings.

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READ ALSO: Mike Tyson's daughter's untimely death: What happened to her?

Briefly published an article about Mike Tyson's late daughter, Exodus Tyson. The celebrity daughter died at the age of 4 on 26 May 2009.

Mike, who was in Las Vegas then, flew back to Phoenix after the sad news of her child passing on reached him. He later explained how he turned to substance abuse to numb the pain. Find out what happened.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ruth Gitonga avatar

Ruth Gitonga (Lifestyle writer) Ruth Gitonga has a background experience in Mass Communication for over six years. She graduated from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Mass Communication in December 2014. In 2023, Ruth finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She has worked for Briefly.co.za for five years now. She specializes in topics like lifestyle, entertainment, travel, technology, and sports. Email: gitongaruth14@gmail.com.

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