Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez has reportedly committed suicide in prison according to multiple reports. He was found hanging from his cell at 3:05am and pronounced dead by 4:07, when he was taken to UMass Memorial-HealthAlliance Hospital. The 27-year old was found guilty of first-dregree murder in 2015, but acquitted of a double murder charge last Friday.
Hernandez was serving life without parole for the murder of Odin Lloyd, who was killed near his million dollar home in 2013, at an industrial park.
Ironically, his death came on the day his former New England team went to the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl 51 victory.
BREAKING: Prison official says former NFL star Aaron Hernandez hangs self in cell, pronounced dead at Massachusetts hospital.
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 19, 2017
“Mr. Hernandez was in a single cell in a general population unit. Mr. Hernandez hanged himself utilizing a bedsheet that he attached to his cell window. Mr. Hernandez also attempted to block his door from the inside by jamming the door with various items.”
His attorney and former agent have been saying the former Florida Gator could not have done this and will perform their own investigation into the incident. He was not on suicide watch and was in a two-man cell by himself, at the time or his death.
He was drafted in 2010 and finished his career with 1,956 yards receiving and 18 touchdowns in three seasons with Bill Belichick and the Patriots.
UPDATE: The district attorney in Worcester County, Massachusetts has officially called Aaron Hernandez’s death a suicide. His brain will now be released to Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, but an independent autopsy will be performed. He was reported to have John 3:16 written on his forehead and three letters were found in his cell.
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