Aaron Hernandez Autopsy: Inside The Shocking Death Report
Did the promising life of Aaron Hernandez, a star athlete, end with an act of desperation or was there a deeper, unseen struggle at play? The official reports, the autopsy, and the unsettling details surrounding his death paint a picture of a man grappling with unseen demons, leaving more questions than answers in the wake of his tragic demise.
According to the death investigation report issued by the Massachusetts Department of State Police and published by autopsy files, the evening of April 19, 2017, appeared outwardly unremarkable. Hernandez, a former NFL player, had seemingly gone about his day within the confines of the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley, Massachusetts. The report indicated that nothing immediately signaled the tragedy that was about to unfold. Around 10 p.m., he reportedly concluded a phone call, after which he entered cell number 57 within the general housing unit. What transpired in the hours leading up to the discovery of his body remains a subject of intense scrutiny and sorrow.
| Full Name: | Aaron Josef Hernandez |
| Date of Birth: | November 6, 1989 |
| Place of Birth: | Bristol, Connecticut |
| Date of Death: | April 19, 2017 |
| Cause of Death: | Asphyxia by hanging, Suicide |
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight: | 245 lb (111 kg) |
| Career: |
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| Position: | Tight End |
| Notable Achievements: |
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| Controversies: | Convicted of murder in the death of Odin Lloyd; other legal issues |
| Reference: | Pro-Football-Reference.com |
An autopsy performed by the state medical examiner's office definitively determined the cause of Hernandez's death: asphyxia by hanging. The manner of death was ruled as suicide. The discovery of his body on the morning of April 19th, sent shockwaves through the correctional facility and the wider public, who had been following Hernandez's legal battles closely. One of the initial observations made by prison authorities was the presence of multiple references to a specific biblical passage left behind by Hernandez, a detail that immediately sparked further speculation about his state of mind in his final moments. A lawyer for Hernandez later confirmed that the former NFL player had suffered from a "severe" case of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease, further complicating the narrative.
The Massachusetts State Police report, meticulously outlining the circumstances of his death, revealed several key findings. The report detailed the lifesaving measures undertaken by correctional officers and medical personnel in an effort to revive Hernandez after he was discovered hanging in his cell. It included the medical examiners findings and a "psychological autopsy," which aimed to analyze Hernandez's mental state in the days and hours preceding his death. The inclusion of this psychological assessment provided a deeper, albeit speculative, understanding of the pressures and internal conflicts that may have contributed to his tragic decision.
Adding another layer of complexity to the case, reports suggested the possibility of synthetic marijuana found in his system, a detail that caused some controversy. Though the medical examiner initially dismissed the claim as a "rumor," two law enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the case later confirmed that Hernandez tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids. This revelation raised questions about whether substance use played a role in his actions or if it was an additional factor contributing to his mental state.
The scene that greeted correction officers was described as unsettling, with drawings on the wall and the words "John 3:16" a direct reference to a well-known verse from the Gospel of John scrawled in a substance that appeared to be blood. This detail intensified the focus on Hernandez's religious beliefs and spiritual leanings in the final hours of his life, indicating a possible turn towards faith amid despair. The report suggested that Hernandez had become increasingly religious while in prison. This juxtaposition of his past actions and his final, religiously charged act created a complicated and often debated portrait of a man grappling with deep personal turmoil.
The autopsy revealed a negative toxicology report, which initially seemed to simplify the narrative, as it ruled out any immediate influence of illicit substances. This apparent contradiction, however, only added to the complexity of the case, fueling public interest and debate. Authorities quickly closed the investigation into Hernandezs death, but the circumstances of his passing, combined with his complicated history, continued to generate widespread discussion.
Hernandezs career, at its zenith, was marked by exceptional talent and promise. As a tight end for the New England Patriots, he displayed a remarkable ability on the field. He also played for the Florida Gators at the collegiate level before being drafted into the NFL. In the Patriots' 2012 loss to the New York Giants, Hernandez caught quarterback Tom Brady's last Super Bowl touchdown pass, a testament to his skill. Yet, his professional achievements were overshadowed by allegations of serious crimes, including the June 2013 killing of Odin Lloyd, for which he was eventually convicted.
The trial that followed was intensely emotional, with the presentation of gruesome crime scene photos from the 2012 shooting. Odin Lloyd's mother, Ursula Ward, was visibly shaken during the proceedings. Defendant Aaron Hernandez looked on. The emotional weight of the trial, and the subsequent conviction, undoubtedly added to the stress Hernandez endured during his incarceration.
The tragic death of Aaron Hernandez left many questions unanswered. The autopsy report, the psychological autopsy, and the physical evidence collected all offer pieces of a puzzle that is still being assembled. His story reflects a darker undercurrent. The tragic confluence of professional success, legal troubles, mental health issues, and his final, desperate act forces us to confront the complex human condition and the potential for profound tragedy even in those who seem to have it all.
