BRISTOL, Conn. – Police say an uncle of jailed former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was operating a motor scooter under the influence of alcohol and drugs when he died in a Connecticut crash in August.
Bristol police say their investigation concluded Robert J. Valentine drove in a negligent manner while under the influence. They say he had alcohol and cocaine in his system.
Police also say he was operating the scooter at night with dark-colored sunglasses, which likely hampered his vision.
Hernandez grew up in Bristol. He's charged with murder in the shooting death of semi-professional football player Odin Lloyd, a Boston resident who was dating the sister of Hernandez's girlfriend.
Lloyd's body was found June 17 near Hernandez's mansion in North Attleborough, Mass. Hernandez has pleaded not guilty.
Several people linked to Hernandez have died recently.
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