Report: Aaron Hernandez found dead in prison with Bible verse written across forehead

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Thursday, April 20, 2017
Former NFL player Aaron Hernandez kills himself in prison
Embattled former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell early Wednesday, authorities confirm.

MILFORD, Mass. -- Embattled former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell early Wednesday, authorities confirm.

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According to a spokesperson with the Massachusetts Department of Correction, Hernandez hanged himself with a bed sheet attached to a window at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley, Massachusetts.

Law enforcement sources told ABC News that Hernandez was found with the Bible verse John 3:16 written across his forehead. The verse reads, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

He attempted to block the door of his cell from the inside by "jamming the door with various items," authorities added.

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Hernandez was taken to UMass Memorial - HealthAlliance Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:07 a.m. local time.

Hernandez, who was already serving a life sentence for 2013 murder, was acquitted Friday in a 2012 double slaying prosecutors said was fueled by his anger over a spilled drink.

Click here for full coverage on the Aaron Hernandez murder trials.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.