Massachusetts prison officials say former NFL star Aaron Hernandez is dead.
An official with the Massachusetts Department of Corrections says Hernandez was found hanged in his cell just after 3 am Wednesday.
Authorities tried to revive the former New England Patriots tight end but the 27-year-old was pronounced dead at UMass Memorial - HealthAlliance Hospital in Leominster.
Prison officials say the Hernandez was in a single cell in a general population housing unit at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley, Massachusetts They say he hanged himself using a bed sheet that he attached to a cell window.
Hernandez, who was serving a life sentence for a 2013 murder, was acquitted Friday in a 2012 double slaying prosecutors said was fueled by his anger over a drink spilled at a nightclub.
Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots chats with Aaron Hernandez #81 during a game on December 10, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
The former University of Florida star began his NFL career as a fourth round draft pick with the Patriots in 2010. Hernandez helped the Patriots to Super Bowl 46 and scored a touchdown during the game. The Patriots lost to the Giants 21 to 17.
About six weeks after the double slaying in 2012, Hernandez signed a five-year, $40 million contract with the Patriots and went on to play another season.
With files from the Associated Press