Tue, Mar 21, 2023
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Former NFL Star Aaron Hernandez Found Hanged in Prison Cell

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Aaron Hernandez
Aaron Hernandez sits in the courtroom of the Attleboro District Court during his hearing on August 22, 2013 in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. The former New England Patriots player was found dead in his cell Wednesday. Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
U.S. Aaron Hernandez New England Patriots

Convicted murderer and former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez, 27, was found dead Wednesday morning after hanging himself in prison, the Massachusetts Department of Correction said.

Hernandez was found hanging in his cell at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley, Massachusetts at approximately 3.05 a.m., the department said in a statement.

After life-saving techniques were attempted on Hernandez, he was taken to UMASS Leominster hospital where he was pronounced dead at 4.07 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 death, and his family have been notified.

Hernandez was serving a life sentence at the prison, after being convicted of murder in 2015.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.​

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