Former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez’s death was ruled a suicide Thursday afternoon.
Three hand-written notes were found in Hernandez's cell next to his Bible, according to a statement released by the Worchester County District Attorney's office.
“Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Henry N. Nields performed an autopsy on Mr. Hernandez on Wednesday and concluded today that the manner of death was suicide and the cause asphyxia by hanging,” the Worchester County District Attorney’s office said.
Officials said Hernandez hanged himself with his bed sheet tied to the window of his cell and the autopsy confirmed no signs of struggle.
After the autopsy, Hernandez’s brain was released to the Boston University Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center for analysis and study, according to the statement. Hernandez’s family wanted the former Florida Gator’s brain to be studied and tested for effects of CTE.
The ruling of suicide comes after Hernandez's former defense attorney and agent questioned whether Hernandez's death was actually a suicide.
Hernandez had been acquitted of the 2012 double-murder of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado five days before his death, but was serving a life sentence for the 2013 shooting death of Odin Lloyd.
The Daily Mail is reporting that Hernandez had been planning his death for weeks. The Daily Mail said Hernandez had been slowly giving away his belongings to fellow prisoners.
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