According to Boston Globe reports and a statement from the Department of Correction, former New England Patriot star Aaron Hernandez committed suicide in prison Wednesday morning. The split-personality Pro Bowl performer was discovered hanging in his cell at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley, Mass., at approximately 3:05 a.m.
Mr. Hernandez was in a single cell in a general population unit, the statement 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.
State Police are investigating the apparent suicide and his family has been notified.
The statement said Hernandez was transported to UMass Leominster, where he was pronounced dead at 4:07 a.m. Wednesday.
Hernandezs suicide comes five days after he was acquitted of murdering two men in Boston in 2012, but was still set to serve a life without parole sentence for murdering Odin L. Lloyd in North Attleborough in 2013.
This ends the saga of one of the most tragic and confusing dramas in NFL history. As details unravel about Hernandezs state of mind leading up to this tragic suicide, he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest examples of wasted talent pro sports has ever known.
Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Henry N. Nields performed an autopsy on Hernandez Wednesday and concluded Thursday that the manner of death was suicide and the cause asphyxia by hanging.
There were no signs of struggle, per Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
