Aaren Simpson was the youngest daughter of O.J. Simpson, the former American football star, actor, and broadcaster. She was born on September 24, 1977, in California, USA, to O.J. Simpson and his first wife, Marguerite Whitley. She had two older siblings, Arnelle and Jason. Aaren was a cute and adorable girl who had just started to walk and talk when a terrible tragedy struck her family.
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The Day Aaren Simpson Fell into the Pool
On August 18, 1979, Aaren was playing around the house while her parents were having a barbecue in the backyard. She somehow wandered off and fell into the family swimming pool. Her mother found her shortly after, but she was unconscious and not breathing. She immediately called for help and performed CPR on her daughter.
The paramedics arrived and managed to revive Aaren after several minutes. They rushed her to the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she was put on life support. She remained in a coma for eight days, with her parents and siblings by her side.
The Death of Aaren Simpson
Sadly, Aaren could not overcome the damage caused by the lack of oxygen to her brain. She died on August 26, 1979, due to respiratory failure. She was only 23 months old, just a month shy of her second birthday.
Her father, O.J. Simpson, issued a statement on behalf of the family, thanking everyone for their prayers and support. He said:
My deepest appreciation and thanks go to everyone across the nation whose gestures of prayers, cards, phone calls, and well-wishes sustained our family.
Aaren was buried in a private ceremony at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, Los Angeles. Her grave is marked with a simple headstone that reads:
AAREN LASHONE SIMPSON SEPTEMBER 24, 1977 AUGUST 26, 1979 OUR LITTLE ANGEL
The Impact of Aaren Simpson’s Death on Her Family
The death of Aaren Simpson was a devastating blow to her family, especially her father, who was very close to her. He later said that he blamed himself for not being more attentive to his daughter that day. He also said that he felt guilty for divorcing her mother five months before the accident.
O.J. Simpson remarried in 1985 to Nicole Brown, with whom he had two more children, Sydney and Justin. However, his marriage was marred by domestic violence and infidelity. He divorced Nicole in 1992 and became embroiled in a bitter custody battle over their children.
In 1994, Nicole and her friend Ronald Goldman were brutally murdered outside her home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. O.J. Simpson was accused of the killings and became the subject of one of the most sensational trials in American history. He was acquitted of the charges in 1995 but was later found liable for the wrongful deaths of Nicole and Goldman in a civil suit in 1997.
O.J. Simpson’s life continued to spiral out of control as he faced legal troubles, financial woes, and public scorn. In 2007, he was arrested for armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas after trying to retrieve some memorabilia that he claimed belonged to him. He was convicted in 2008 and sentenced to 33 years in prison. He was granted parole in 2017 and released from prison in October that year.
O.J. Simpson is now living in Nevada as a free man but remains a controversial figure in the eyes of many people. He has expressed his desire to reconnect with his children and grandchildren but has also faced criticism for his online activities.
The Legacy of Aaren Simpson
Aaren Simpson may have lived a short life, but she left a lasting impression on those who knew her and loved her. She was a sweet and cheerful girl who brought joy to her family and friends.
Her death also inspired some positive changes in the society. After her drowning incident, many people became more aware of the dangers of swimming pools and the importance of pool safety measures. Her father also donated money to the UCLA Medical Center in her name to support research on pediatric brain injuries.
Aaren Simpson’s cause of death was a tragic accident that could have been prevented if proper precautions were taken. Her story serves as a reminder to all parents and caregivers to always watch over their children and keep them away from potential hazards.
According to Tuko.co.ke, Aaren Simpson’s death also taught O.J. Simpson a valuable lesson about life:
Life is unpredictable; you never know what will happen tomorrow; therefore live each day as if it is your last.
