Former NFL star, Florida Gator Aaron Hernandez found hanged in jail cell

BOSTON — Aaron Hernandez has committed suicide in prison, according to officials.

Corrections officers found Hernandez at about 3 a.m. Wednesday hanging in his cell at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley, Massachusetts.

Officials said lifesaving techniques were attempted on Hernandez before he was taken to UMass Leominster, where he was pronounced dead at 4:07 a.m.

Hernandez was in a single cell in a general population housing unit.

He hanged himself with a bed sheet that he attached to his cell window, according to officials.

Hernandez also tried to block his door from the inside by jamming it with several items, officials said.

Massachusetts State Police are investigating.

The Massachusetts Department of Correction issued 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."

Jose Baez, who represented Hernandez in one of his murder trials, said in a statement: "The family and legal team is shocked and surprised at the news of Aaron’s death. There were no conversations or correspondence from Aaron to his family or legal team that would have indicated anything like this was possible.  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.

"The Baez Law Firm will participate in its own examination into this tragic event and update the media and public on its findings when they become available."

Cox Media Group