Ron Goldman's father and Alan Dershowitz react to O.J. Simpson's death

The death of O.J. Simpson drew immediate reaction around the country Thursday, renewing public interest in his era-defining 1995 murder trial — and reviving painful memories for the families who were close to the events.

Simpson was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, capping off what legal analysts described at the time as the "trial of the century."

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From the archives: 1995 ‘Nightly News’ coverage of verdict in O.J. Simpson trial

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Goldman's father, Fred Goldman, told NBC News that the news of Simpson's death only further underscored his grief for his son, who was found stabbed to death outside Brown Simpson's home in Los Angeles on June 12, 1994.

"The only thing I have to say is, it’s just further reminder of Ron being gone all these years," Fred Goldman said in a phone interview. "It’s no great loss to the world. It’s a further reminder of Ron’s being gone."

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In a subsequent statement sent to reporters, Fred Goldman and his daughter, Kim, said they were experiencing a "mixed bag of complicated emotions."

"We will continue to advocate for the rights of all victims and survivors, ensuring our voices are heard both within and beyond the courtroom," the Goldmans said in part. "Thank you for keeping our family, and most importantly Ron, in your hearts for the last 30 years."

Alan Dershowitz, the prominent lawyer who served as an adviser on Simpson's legal "Dream Team" alongside Johnnie Cochran and F. Lee Bailey, told NBC News that he was saddened to learn that his onetime client had died.

"I knew he was very sick, so I'm upset that he died," Dershowitz said. "I got to know him fairly well during the trial. It was one of the most divisive trials in American history along racial lines. He'll always be remembered for the Bronco chase, for the glove and for the moment of acquittal."

Simpson, 76, died of cancer, according to a statement from his family that was posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

"On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer," the family said. "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."

Simpson's team of lawyers also included his friend Robert Kardashian, the late husband of reality television mogul Kris Jenner. The former Olympian and media personality Caitlyn Jenner, who was later married to Kris Jenner until their divorce in 2015, tweeted just two words in response to the news of Simpson's death: "Good Riddance."

Marcia Clark, a former Los Angeles deputy district attorney who was the lead prosecutor in the Simpson murder case, released a short statement: "I send my condolences to Mr. Simpson's family."

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In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Keith Zlomsowitch — Brown Simpson's ex-boyfriend — said Simpson's death was a "relief." Zlomsowitch served as a pallbearer at her funeral.

"I think finally some sort of justice has been served, that he’s been taken from the earth," Zlomsowitch said. "So it doesn’t bring Nicole back. But it means he can no longer be who he is in this world."

Bob Costas, the sports broadcaster who worked with Simpson for years at NBC Sports covering the NFL, said he leaves behind “a complicated legacy, to put it mildly.”

“I can’t think of anyone historical or someone that we may have known where the first chapter and the second chapter of their lives are such a stark contrast … revered and then reviled,” Costas said on NBC’s “TODAY” show Friday. 

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Bob Costas on O.J. Simpson’s death: ‘Complicated legacy’

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In the decades before he earned national infamy as a murder trial defendant, Simpson was best known as a decorated football star and sometime actor, appearing in "The Naked Gun" movie franchise.

The Buffalo Bills, the team Simpson spent most of his NFL career with, did not immediately post a comment on his death, but a fan account published a photo of him on Instagram.