Aaron Hernandez suicide: Former Patriots tight end hangs himself in prison

Aaron Hernandez is dead at age 27 after committing suicide in prison on Wednesday morning, according to the Boston Globe. The former New England Patriots tight end was found dead in his cell after hanging himself.

Here’s the statement from the Massachusetts Department of Correction (via Adam Schefter).

On April 19, 2017 Aaron Hernandez was discovered hanged in his cell by corrections officers at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley Massachusetts at approximately 3:05 a.m., lifesaving techniques were attempted on Mr. Hernandez and he was transported to UMASS Leominster where he has pronounced dead at 4:07 a.m. by a physician at the hospital. Mr. Hernandez was in a single cell in a general population housing unit. Mr. Hernandez hanged himself utilizing a bed sheet 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. The Massachusetts State Police are on scene and the investigation continues. Mr. Hernandez’s next of kin have been notified.

Christopher M. Fallon
Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Communications
Massachusetts Department of Correction

Hernandez was serving life in prison without parole for the murder of Odin Lloyd in 2013. Hernandez was recently acquitted of a separate 2012 double murder incident that occurred in Boston.

Hernandez once had a promising NFL career. The former fourth-round pick had 175 receptions for 1,956 yards and 18 touchdowns in 38 games with the Patriots. It all came crumbling down, however, and now Hernandez’s life has come to a dark end.