Deaths on April 19

Aaron Hernandez, American football player (b. 1989)

Aaron Josef Hernandez, born on November 6, 1989, and tragically deceased on April 19, 2017, was an American football tight end whose promising career in the National Football League (NFL) was ultimately overshadowed by his conviction as a murderer. A standout athlete, he played for three seasons with the New England Patriots, forming a formidable part of their dynamic offense, until his involvement in the murder of Odin Lloyd brought his professional life to an abrupt and definitive end.

A Star on the Rise: College and the NFL Draft

Before his professional career, Hernandez distinguished himself as an All-American tight end at the University of Florida. His exceptional collegiate performance made him a highly anticipated prospect in the scouting community, and he was subsequently selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. This marked the beginning of what many believed would be a legendary career, brimming with potential.

Dominance on the Field: The Patriots Era

During his tenure with the Patriots, Hernandez quickly became a vital component of the team's potent offense. Alongside his equally talented teammate, Rob Gronkowski, he formed one of the league's most dominant tight end duos. Their synergy on the field was remarkable, making them the first pair of tight ends in NFL history to each score at least five touchdowns in consecutive seasons for the same team. This era saw Hernandez make a significant impact, including an appearance in Super Bowl XLVI, solidifying his status as a formidable player with immense talent and promise for the future.

The Unraveling: The Murder of Odin Lloyd

The trajectory of Hernandez’s life took a dark and irreversible turn during the 2013 offseason. He was arrested and subsequently charged with the murder of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player who had a personal connection to Hernandez, as he was dating the sister of Hernandez's fiancée. Following his arrest, the New England Patriots immediately released him, severing ties with their once-star player. The legal proceedings that followed captivated national attention. In 2015, Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, a sentence he began serving at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center.

Further Accusations: The 2012 Double Homicide

While already incarcerated and standing trial for the murder of Odin Lloyd, Aaron Hernandez faced another grave set of charges. He was indicted for the 2012 double homicide of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado, an incident that had occurred prior to Lloyd's death. However, after a separate trial in 2017, Hernandez was acquitted of these charges, a development that momentarily offered a glimpse of a different legal outcome, albeit one that would soon be overshadowed by further tragedy.

A Tragic End and Lingering Questions

Just days after his acquittal in the double homicide case, on April 19, 2017, Aaron Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell. His death was officially ruled a suicide, sending shockwaves through the sports world and the general public. This tragic event initiated a complex legal aftermath concerning his prior conviction.

Initially, his conviction for Odin Lloyd’s murder was vacated under the legal doctrine of abatement ab initio. This doctrine, meaning "from the beginning," typically applies when a defendant dies during the appeal process, effectively voiding the conviction as if it never happened. However, this decision was not final. In 2019, following a determined appeal from prosecutors and Odin Lloyd's family, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court reinstated Hernandez's conviction, underscoring the legal system's commitment to justice for the victims.

Adding another layer of complexity and somber reflection, Hernandez was posthumously diagnosed with severe chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This degenerative brain disease, often linked to repetitive head trauma common in contact sports like football, has since fueled widespread speculation and debate over how the condition might have profoundly affected his judgment, impulse control, and overall behavior, potentially contributing to the tragic events that defined the latter part of his life and career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aaron Hernandez

What was Aaron Hernandez primarily convicted of?

Aaron Hernandez was convicted of the first-degree murder of Odin Lloyd in 2015.

Which NFL team did Aaron Hernandez play for?

He played for the New England Patriots for three seasons, from 2010 to 2012.

What is CTE, and how does it relate to Aaron Hernandez's case?

CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a degenerative brain disease often associated with repeated head trauma, particularly common in contact sports. Hernandez was posthumously diagnosed with severe CTE, leading to extensive discussion and speculation about its potential influence on his behavior and actions.

Was his murder conviction upheld after his death?

Initially, his conviction for Odin Lloyd's murder was vacated under the legal doctrine of abatement ab initio because he died during his appeal process. However, it was later reinstated in 2019 after a successful appeal by prosecutors and the victim's family.

Was he also charged with other murders?

Yes, he was indicted for the 2012 double homicide of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado. However, he was acquitted of these specific charges in 2017, just days before his death.