Aaron Hernandez Wife: Full Bio, Age, Net Worth & More
Introduction: The Life of Aaron Hernandez Wife
Aaron Hernandez, a former NFL star with a tragic and controversial life story, made headlines for various reasons. From his rise to stardom as a tight end for the New England Patriots to his conviction for murder, Aaron Hernandez Wife life was full of highs and lows. His wife, Shayanna Jenkins, was a significant part of his journey and has remained in the public eye after his untimely death.
In this article, we delve deep into the life of Aaron Hernandez wife, Shayanna Jenkins. We’ll discuss her biography, age, family background, and life after her husband’s death, as well as some other key details. This article also provides valuable insights into her personal life, career, net worth, and more.
Who is Aaron Hernandez Wife, Shayanna Jenkins?
Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez was born on May 29, 1989, in Bristol, Connecticut. She is best known for her marriage to Aaron Hernandez, the former NFL player, and her resilience through the tragic circumstances surrounding his death and the subsequent media attention. Despite the shadow cast by her husband’s legal troubles, Jenkins has managed to maintain a relatively private life while also advocating for causes that are close to her heart.
Shayanna and Aaron Hernandez were high school sweethearts, and they became engaged before his arrest. The couple had a daughter together, Avielle Janelle Hernandez, born in 2012, who became a central figure in Jenkins’ life following Hernandez’s incarceration and death.
Biography of Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez
Below is a detailed biography of Shayanna Jenkins, including key personal information about her early life, career, and life post-Hernandez.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez |
| Date of Birth | May 29, 1989 |
| Age | 35 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Bristol, Connecticut |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Marital Status | Widow (married to Aaron Hernandez until his death) |
| Children | 1 (Daughter: Avielle Janelle Hernandez) |
| Occupation | Former Security Guard, Advocate |
Early Life and Career
Shayanna Jenkins grew up in Bristol, Connecticut, where she attended Bristol Central High School. She and Aaron Hernandez both attended the same school, and their high school romance blossomed into a long-term relationship. After high school, Shayanna went on to pursue her career, initially working as a security guard, but she eventually shifted her focus to raising her daughter and supporting her fiancé during his football career.
Her life changed dramatically when Aaron was arrested and convicted for the murder of Odin Lloyd, an event that would forever alter the course of their lives. Shayanna stood by Aaron during his trial, and she later became a symbol of strength for many who followed her story.
Marriage to Aaron Hernandez
Shayanna Jenkins and Aaron Hernandez got engaged in 2012, a few months before the birth of their daughter, Avielle. Despite their engagement, the couple never had a public wedding. Their relationship was often complicated by Hernandez’s legal troubles, which included being charged with multiple crimes, including murder.
Shayanna stood by Aaron during the trials and incarceration. She was frequently seen at court hearings and supported him emotionally during his time in prison. Their daughter Avielle was a crucial part of their lives during these turbulent years, and Shayanna continued to care for her even after Aaron was convicted and sentenced.
Life After Aaron Hernandez’s Death
Aaron Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell on April 19, 2017. His death was ruled a suicide, and it shocked the sports world, as many had hoped for a potential comeback after his conviction for the murder of Odin Lloyd. Shayanna was left to pick up the pieces of her life after her fiancé’s tragic death.
Following his passing, Shayanna Jenkins chose to raise their daughter away from the public eye. She focused on her own healing process and worked to create a stable and loving environment for Avielle.
Shayanna Jenkins’ Net Worth
As of 2025, Shayanna Jenkins is believed to have a net worth of approximately $2 million. Her wealth primarily comes from her career as a security guard, media appearances, and personal investments. In addition, she reportedly received a portion of the estate left by Aaron Hernandez. The exact details of the inheritance are not fully disclosed, but it’s believed that she received financial support after his death, which helped her in maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.
Key Events in Shayanna Jenkins’ Life
Shayanna Jenkins has endured numerous highs and lows throughout her life, many of which have been documented by the media. Below are some of the key events that shaped her life and public image:
- 2012: Birth of her daughter Avielle Janelle Hernandez.
- 2013: Engagement to Aaron Hernandez, just before his arrest for the murder of Odin Lloyd.
- 2015: Aaron Hernandez was convicted for the murder of Odin Lloyd.
- 2017: Aaron Hernandez died by suicide while in prison.
- 2018-Present: Shayanna has been actively involved in raising her daughter and focusing on her advocacy work related to prison reform and other social causes.
Advocacy and Work After Aaron’s Death
Since Aaron Hernandez’s death, Shayanna Jenkins has worked on advocating for several causes, including supporting children who have lost a parent to violence and other social justice issues. She is also vocal about the mental health issues that plagued Aaron, which may have contributed to his tragic downfall.
Shayanna has also used her platform to promote her daughter’s well-being, prioritizing a stable life for Avielle. She is a strong advocate for the importance of mental health awareness and raising children in environments free from violence and trauma.
Shayanna Jenkins’ Early Life and Family Background
Shayanna Jenkins grew up in a tight-knit family in Bristol, Connecticut, where she shared a close bond with her mother and siblings. Her upbringing was relatively modest, and she attended Bristol Central High School, where she met Aaron Hernandez. It was at this school that their love story began, which would later unfold into a public saga.
Jenkins had a relatively quiet life before her relationship with Aaron Hernandez thrust her into the spotlight. Her father, who is of Puerto Rican descent, and her mother, of African American heritage, instilled a sense of cultural pride in Shayanna from an early age. She was raised with strong family values and a focus on community, which played a significant role in how she navigated the turmoil that would come later in life.
After high school, Shayanna moved to pursue her career in security, but her professional life took a backseat when she became a mother and partner to Hernandez. Though she tried to maintain a relatively normal existence, the constant media attention surrounding Aaron’s legal troubles and her role in his life put a strain on her private world.
The Strain of Aaron Hernandez’s Legal Troubles
Shayanna Jenkins found herself thrust into the public eye after Aaron Hernandez’s arrest for the murder of Odin Lloyd in 2013. Despite being engaged and having a child together, Shayanna faced overwhelming scrutiny due to the severity of the charges against her fiancé.
During the trial, she was often seen in the courtroom, supporting Aaron as he fought the charges against him. However, it was clear that this was a difficult time for her, as she was caught between standing by the man she loved and grappling with the reality of the serious crimes he was accused of committing.
Shayanna’s emotional strength was apparent, but the pressure of being in the public eye while navigating such a complex and painful personal situation undoubtedly weighed heavily on her. Her decision to stand by Aaron during the trial was met with mixed reactions, but she remained loyal to her fiancé, prioritizing her family and their daughter, Avielle, throughout this trying period.
The Impact of Aaron’s Conviction and Imprisonment
When Aaron Hernandez was convicted for the murder of Odin Lloyd in 2015, it was a defining moment in the public’s perception of both him and Shayanna. His conviction sent shockwaves through the sports world, where he had once been a promising star. For Shayanna, it meant the loss of the life she had envisioned with him. The verdict also brought more media attention, as people speculated on her role in the events leading up to Aaron’s arrest and conviction.
Despite the challenges, Shayanna tried her best to shield her daughter from the intense media scrutiny and difficult realities surrounding her father’s legal issues. She publicly stated that her focus was on ensuring that Avielle had a stable life and that she could grow up in an environment filled with love and support.
Shayanna also dealt with the harsh public judgment that came from being associated with a man convicted of such a heinous crime. Yet, through all the adversity, she displayed immense resilience and dedication to her family, both during Aaron’s time in prison and after his eventual death.
The Aftermath of Aaron Hernandez’s Death
On April 19, 2017, Aaron Hernandez was found dead in his prison cell, and the cause of death was ruled as suicide. The news was a tragic end to a life filled with controversy, and it sent ripples of shock through the sports community and beyond. For Shayanna Jenkins, it was yet another devastating chapter in an already tumultuous life.
Shayanna later spoke publicly about how she felt upon hearing the news of Aaron’s death. While it was clear that his death was tragic, it also provided her with a sense of closure, as she had always been aware of the immense psychological and emotional toll Aaron had faced throughout his life. Shayanna also stated that, while the media would continue to focus on Aaron’s legacy, she would remain focused on raising her daughter and providing her with a safe, loving, and stable environment.
Following his death, Jenkins became more active in raising awareness about mental health issues, particularly as they pertain to individuals involved in high-pressure environments like professional sports. She has openly discussed how Aaron’s struggles with mental health, including possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), could have contributed to his behavior. Her willingness to speak out about these issues has sparked conversations about the long-term effects of brain injuries on athletes and the need for better mental health support systems.
The Legal Legacy: Hernandez’s Estate and Custody Battle
After Aaron Hernandez’s death, there was a complicated legal battle regarding his estate and the custody of his daughter, Avielle. Since Hernandez died without a will, his estate became subject to a series of legal disputes, one of the most notable being whether or not Shayanna would be entitled to his assets.
In the wake of Aaron’s death, Shayanna fought for custody of their daughter and control over Aaron’s financial affairs. Despite the contentious circumstances surrounding his death and legal issues, Shayanna emerged victorious in securing the future of their daughter, ensuring that she would be financially secure. She was also granted full custody of Avielle, and it was clear that her primary focus was always on giving her daughter a better life.
Shayanna’s role in handling Aaron’s estate and legal matters further solidified her status as a resilient and strong woman. She managed to navigate the complex legal world while balancing her personal responsibilities as a mother.
Shayanna Jenkins’ Social Media and Public Appearances
Since Aaron’s passing, Shayanna Jenkins has increasingly appeared on social media and in public, but she remains selective about what she shares with the world. She frequently posts about her daughter and their personal milestones, highlighting her role as a mother and the importance of family.
Shayanna also advocates for important causes through her social media platforms. In particular, she has become more outspoken about mental health, the importance of supporting those affected by violence, and promoting a healthy environment for children. She has used her platform to raise awareness about the long-term effects of trauma, especially for children growing up in complicated or tumultuous environments.
Although she keeps a low profile in terms of her personal life, Shayanna has shown that she is capable of balancing her private world with the demands of public attention. Her social media presence continues to inspire many who follow her journey.
Future Endeavors: Shayanna’s Focus on Family and Advocacy
As of 2025, Shayanna Jenkins has shifted much of her focus toward advocacy work, especially surrounding mental health and children’s well-being. Having experienced firsthand the challenges that come with trauma, grief, and loss, she is dedicated to supporting initiatives that can make a difference in the lives of those impacted by similar struggles.
Shayanna’s journey post-Aaron Hernandez is one of healing and moving forward. While she continues to raise her daughter and protect her from the negative aspects of her father’s legacy, she is also using her voice to highlight important societal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old is Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez?
Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez was born on May 29, 1989, which makes her 35 years old as of 2025.
2. Who is Shayanna Jenkins’ daughter?
Shayanna’s daughter is Avielle Janelle Hernandez, born in 2012. She is the only child of Aaron Hernandez and Shayanna Jenkins.
3. What is Shayanna Jenkins’ current net worth?
Shayanna Jenkins’ net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. Her wealth stems from her career, public appearances, and possibly an inheritance following her husband’s death.
4. Was Shayanna Jenkins married to Aaron Hernandez?
Shayanna Jenkins was engaged to Aaron Hernandez but never officially married him. They were together for many years and had a child together before his tragic death.
Conclusion: A Journey of Resilience
Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez’s life has been marked by both heartache and resilience. From her high school romance with Aaron Hernandez to raising their daughter alone after his untimely death, she has remained a steadfast mother and advocate for those impacted by violence and mental health struggles.
Though her life has been intertwined with the infamous and troubled life of Aaron Hernandez, Shayanna has worked hard to establish her own identity in the public eye. She continues to focus on her daughter’s well-being while using her platform to make a difference in the world.
The story of Shayanna Jenkins is one of survival, strength, and love, and while her past is linked to one of America’s most tragic sports stories, she is carving out a future that reflects her resilience and determination.
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