Aaron Hernandez dead: Former NFL star kills himself in prison
Hernandez was discovered in his cell at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley Massachusetts on Wednesday morning
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former NFL star Aaron Hernandez has killed himself in prison, it has been confirmed.
The Massachusetts Department of Corrections revealed Hernandez was discovered in his cell at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley Massachusetts at approximately 3:05 a.m on Wednesday morning.
“Mr. Hernandez was in a single cell in a general population unit,” a statement from Massachusetts prison authorities read, adding that he had attempted to block his door from the inside.
Hernandez's family has been notified and police are investigating.
Hernandez was serving life in prison after being convicted of the murder of Odin Lloyd in 2015. Hernandez's death comes five days after he was acquitted of murdering two men in 2012.
The 27-year-old was charged with the double murder of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado - immigrants from Cape Verde - but on Friday a jury found him not guilty on most of the eight counts he faced, including murder and armed assault.
Hernandez was a tight end with the New England Patriots from 2010 to 2012 and just weeks after the double murder of Mr Abreu and Mr Furtado, signed a $40 million contract with the team.
They cut him from the roster after he was arrested for Mr Lloyd's murder in 2013.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments