Following the news that former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez was found dead in prison, thousands took to social media to react to his death.
Opinions about the athletes' death were divided, with some feeling sorry for Hernandez and his family while others believed his death was justified.
Manny Mill tweeted, "this whole #AaronHernandez story is heartbreaking, and crazy. Truly sad on every level."
DeedeeDepina posted on Facebook, "My condolences to his family. May he Rest In Peace."
"I feel sad for his family," Bonnie Schoff Ham added.
However, other viewers, such as Sheri Hebert posted, "one less thug."
"#AaronHernandez just saved tax payers an estimated 2.6 million dollars. Life without parole is expensive. #AintNoRestForTheWicked."
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"Breaking News: World feels like a slightly better place. #AaronHernandez," @McBragg tweeted.
People had just as wide a range of reactions offline, with his death reaching far beyond football fans.
"I'm pretty shocked," one man told NBC Boston. "It's a strange coincidence."
"Just an odd coincidence, in my opinion, that it just happens after he was acquitted," said Bill Kinsaul of Florida.
Daniel Longwe of Stoughton, meanwhile, called the apparent suicide "just the easy way out."
Jackie Pedini of Westwood said the accusations against him may have been weighing on his mind for a long time.
"You never know. Maybe he's been pondering this so long. It's too bad," Pedini said.
The New England Patriots spoke to NBC Boston Wednesday morning and said, "we are aware of the reports but do not anticipate we will be commenting today."
Hernandez was found hanging in his cell early Wednesday morning and was transported to UMass Leominster where he was later pronounced dead.
