Former Patriots Star Aaron Hernandez Commits Suicide in Prison
Hernandez was recently cleared in a double homicide case while serving a life sentence for homicide
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick described Aaron Hernandez with one word: tragedy. That’s exactly how Hernandez’s life turned after being convicted of the murder of Odin Lloyd.
The final stanza of this great tragedy was discovered early Wednesday morning when correctional officers at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center found the 27-year-old unresponsive in his cell.
A statement from the prison says Hernandez was found in the early hours on Wednesday with a bedsheet around his neck strung up from a window. The former tight end was pronounced dead at 4:07 a.m. at a local hospital.
Aaron Hernandez committed suicide - statement from prison authorities. pic.twitter.com/xgQLA20x6Q
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 19, 2017
The public’s final look at the former Patriots receiver came from inside a courtroom where an emotional Hernandez was cleared on double homicide charges.
Hernandez was first arrested on June 26, 2013, for the murder of acquaintance Odin Lloyd. After a lengthy investigation and trial, Hernandez was found guilty in April, 2015, and was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
A budding star with the Patriots, Hernandez caught 18 touchdowns in three seasons with the Patriots. The team opted to release the tight end 90 minutes after his arrest and offered fans the opportunity to swap his jersey for another piece of apparel.
Hernandez is survived by his fiancee and daughter.