Aaron Hernandez, a former tight-end with the New England Patriots has died by suicide in prison, Massachusetts prison officials confirmed on Wednesday morning.
The 27-year-old was pronounced dead in hospital after his body was found in his cell.
Hernandez had been serving a life sentence for the murder of Odin Lloyd in 2013 and was this month acquitted of the murder of both Safiro Furtado and Daniel de Abreu outside of a nightclub in 2012.
"Lifesaving techniques were attempted on Mr. Hernandez, and he was transported to UMASS Leominster where he was pronounced dead at 4.07am by a physician at the hospital," a statement released by the Massachusetts Department of Correction.
They go on to say that officials are continuing their investigation and that the family of the man have been notified.
Hernandez played three seasons in the NFL from 2010 to 2012, before he was arrested for Lloyd's murder. Along with Rob Gronkowski, the duo were one of the most effective attacking duos in the league.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please contact Samaritans 24-hour Freephone helpline: 116123 or online at www.samaritans.org.
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