Former NFL Star Aaron Hernandez Commits Suicide in Jail

Officials in Massachusetts have confirmed that former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez has committed suicide while in jail. He was 27-years-old.

The former tight end hanged himself using a bed sheet attached to a window in his cell at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center; his body was discovered at 3:05 a.m. today, April 19, at which point lifesaving techniques were utilized in an effort to save him, authorities confirmed. He was then transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead a little more than an hour later at 4:07.

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In a statement, law enforcement officials said that no suicide note was found with his body, adding that he didn’t display any behaviors that would land him on suicide watch and was not considered at risk.

Aaron was behind bars serving a life sentence after he convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Odin Lloyd, who dated the sister of Aaron’s fiancée. He was later found guilty in April 2015 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Aaron’s fiancée and daughter.

Prior to his conviction, in May 2014, he was charged with two counts of murder in the July 2012 deaths of two men killed outside a Boston club in a drive-by shooting — and just last week, he was found not guilty for those two counts of murders, though he was found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm.

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Following news of his death, his lawyer Jose Baez revealed that Aaron’s death came as a surprise to those closest to him, adding that they are requesting the state investigate the situation thoroughly.

Aaron on April 12 after learning he was found not guilty on two counts of murder.

“We are shocked and surprised at the news of Aaron’s death. There were no conversations or correspondences from Aaron to his family or legal team that would have indicated this scenario was a possibility,” the infamous lawyer told TMZ. “Aaron was looking forward to an opportunity for a second chance to prove his innocence. Those who love and care about him are heartbroken and determined to find the truth surrounding his untimely death. We request that authorities conduct a transparent and thorough investigation.”

Aaron is survived by his fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez, and their four-year-old daughter, Avielle.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255!