OJ Simpson was planning to sign memorabilia days before his cancer death

His old friend and long-time sports merch dealer Bruce Fromong has now revealed Simpson was forced to pull out of a pre-scheduled signing event

for the PSA-JSA memorabilia company owner due to his cancer fight.

Bruce told Page Six Simpson told him about how he thought he would feel better enough to honour the obligation: "Nah ... just give me a little bit of time. "Let me get to feeling better."

Bruce added: "That meant he was really not feeling well.

"We thought he was getting better, and he was not."

Bruce also said Simpson's appearance was deceiving as he "looked fine" when he saw him at the Aliante Golf Club a few months before his death.

In February, the dad-of-five also seemed in good spirits during an outing in Las Vegas, where he reportedly ditched his cane to walk around Sin City.

Bruce said he reached out to Simpson a day before his death with a text that said: "Hey old buddy, hope you get to feeling better, and we'll talk soon."

He didn't hear back, and Simpson's family then announced his death from prostate cancer.

They said in a statement: "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."

Bruce also told People he will "absolutely" miss his Simpson, adding: "It's the end of a long friendship. I will always be a friend that will think about him."