Former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez was found dead in his cell early Wednesday morning, officials say. The Massachusetts Department of Corrections said in a statement that Hernandez, who was found not guilty in a double murder trial last week, was discovered hanging in his cell at a Massachusetts facility just after 3:00 am.
While he was acquitted of most charges related to the deaths of Daniel de Abreu and Safir Furtado after a recent trial, Hernandez was already serving a life sentence for the 2013 murder of Odin L. Lloyd.
“Mr. Hernandez was in a single cell in a general population unit,” the statement from corrections officials said. “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.”
Hernandez was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:07 am.
Police are still investigating Hernandez’s death. LawNewz.com will provide additional details, should they become available.
