Convicted murderer and former New England Patriot and former University of Florida tight end, Aaron Hernandez has been found dead in his jail cell.
Hernandez was discovered by a corrections officer hanging in his cell at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley, Massachusetts at approximately 3:05 a.m.
The Massachusetts Department of Corrections released the following statement:
On April 19, 2017 Aaron Hernandez was discovered hanged in his cell by corrections officers at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley Massachusetts at approximately 3:05 a.m., lifesaving techniques were attempted on Mr. Hernandez and he was transported to UMASS Leominster where he was pronounced dead at 4:07 a.m. by a physician at the hospital. Mr. Hernandez was in a single cell in a general population housing. Mr. Hernandez hanged himself utilizing a bed sheet 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. The Massachusetts State Police are on scene and the investigation continues. Mr. Hernandez’s next of kin have been notified.
Most recently, Hernandez was found not guilty of two counts of murder in the killing of two men in a drive-by shooting outside of a Boston nightclub in July 2012.
One of Hernandez's representatives says there is "no chance he took his own life."
Absolutely no chance he took his own life. Chico was not a saint, but my family and I loved him and he would never take his own life.
— Brian Murphy (@A1Murph) April 19, 2017
Wednesday, April 19th is also the day the New England Patriots are scheduled to visit The White House.
Massachusetts State Police are currently investigating the scene.
