According to the Boston Globe, Former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez was found hanged in his prison cell early Wednesday morning. The Department of Correction is ruling the death a suicide. He was found hanging in his cell at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley, Mass. around 3 a.m.
Hernandez, who was once an All-Star NFL tight end, was serving a life sentence without parole for the 2013 murder of Odin L. Lloyd in North Attleboro, Mass. Five days ago, he was acquitted on another charge for the 2012 murder of two men in Boston.
"Mr. Hernandez was in a single cell in a general population unit," a statement from the Department of Correction 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 currently investigating the suicide. Hernandez was officially pronounced dead at 4:07 a.m at UMass Memorial Hospital. According to officials, Hernandez was not on suicide watch. The former football player had not exhibited any signs that he was planning on harming himself. At this time, no suicide note or any evidence of premeditation has been found in his prison cell.
This news comes on the same day some of the New England Patriots players plan to visit the White House to celebrate their recent Super Bowl victory with President Trump. According to a spokesperson for the Patriots, Hernandez's former team has been informed of his suicide, but the team has no plans to comment on the reports today.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).