Alexander Bradley became a key figure in one of the most high-profile criminal cases of the last decade when he testified against former NFL star Aaron Hernandez. As a former close friend of Hernandez, Bradley’s explosive courtroom revelations and personal account of their tumultuous relationship brought national attention. His name has since remained tied to the tragic downfall of the New England Patriots tight end. But as the years have passed, many are asking: Is Alexander Bradley still alive?
This article provides an in-depth, fact-based exploration of Alexander Bradley’s current status, his involvement in the Aaron Hernandez case, what happened after the trial, and how he is remembered in public discourse. We also cover his health, legal challenges, and the legacy of his testimony in one of the most scrutinized criminal trials in sports history.
Is Alexander Bradley Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, Alexander Bradley is still alive as of 2025.
Though he has remained largely out of the public spotlight since the high-profile Aaron Hernandez trials, there have been no official reports or credible confirmations of his death. While many details about Bradley’s current whereabouts and lifestyle remain private, he is still living and has not made public appearances in recent years.
He is presumed to be maintaining a low profile, following years of legal exposure, media scrutiny, and threats to his safety due to his testimony.
Who Is Alexander Bradley?
Alexander Bradley is a former friend and close associate of Aaron Hernandez, the late NFL player who was convicted of murder in 2015. Bradley and Hernandez shared a bond rooted in nightlife, partying, and personal loyalty—but their relationship eventually turned violent and ended in betrayal, culminating in courtroom drama and national media coverage.
Bradley is best known for:
- Surviving a 2013 shooting incident in which he lost his right eye
- Testifying that Aaron Hernandez shot him in the face after a dispute
- Serving as a star witness in Hernandez’s 2017 double-murder trial
His role in the legal proceedings was pivotal and introduced new details about Hernandez’s violent behavior, emotional state, and secretive lifestyle.
The Shooting That Changed Everything
In February 2013, Bradley was shot in the face after a night out in Florida. He later identified Aaron Hernandez as the shooter, claiming the attack followed an argument stemming from Bradley’s knowledge of an earlier double homicide that Hernandez was allegedly involved in.
Bradley stated that:
- Hernandez became paranoid that Bradley might inform authorities
- They argued inside a vehicle before Hernandez allegedly pulled out a gun and shot him
- He was left for dead in an industrial area but managed to survive, though he lost an eye
This incident, initially handled outside of public view, resurfaced in a major way during Hernandez’s second murder trial.
Bradley’s Testimony Against Aaron Hernandez
Bradley was the star witness in Aaron Hernandez’s 2017 trial for the 2012 double murder of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado, who were shot and killed outside a nightclub in Boston.
During the trial, Bradley claimed:
- He was in the car with Hernandez the night of the double homicide
- Hernandez opened fire on the victims over a spilled drink dispute
- Bradley drove the getaway vehicle
- He was later shot by Hernandez in an attempt to silence him
Bradley’s detailed and emotional testimony painted a disturbing picture of Hernandez as a violent, unpredictable man living a double life. Despite defense efforts to discredit him due to his criminal history and involvement in the incident, Bradley’s statements carried significant weight with the jury and the public.
Though Hernandez was ultimately acquitted in the double-murder case, Bradley’s testimony provided crucial context and insight into the NFL star’s behavioral patterns and instability.
Legal Troubles and Controversies
While Bradley was instrumental in the prosecution’s case, he was not without legal troubles of his own.
Over the years, he has faced charges including:
- Drug possession
- Firearms violations
- Domestic disputes
These incidents were used by Hernandez’s defense team to question Bradley’s credibility. Despite that, the court allowed most of his testimony to stand due to its consistency and corroborative detail.
Bradley has been described as both a victim and an enabler—someone who was dangerously close to Hernandez’s criminal activities but also bore the brunt of the athlete’s paranoia and violence.
Where Is Alexander Bradley Now?
As of 2025, Alexander Bradley’s current whereabouts are unknown to the public. He has deliberately avoided the media spotlight, likely for personal safety and privacy.
Following the high-profile trials, Bradley reportedly received threats and experienced immense pressure from both supporters and critics of Aaron Hernandez. It is widely believed that he has taken measures to protect himself, possibly relocating and changing aspects of his public identity.
No social media profiles under his known name are active, and he has not granted any recent interviews or published statements.
Alexander Bradley’s Role in Hernandez’s Legacy
Bradley’s testimony and survival added an essential layer to the complex story of Aaron Hernandez, whose life spiraled from football stardom to incarceration and eventual suicide.
Bradley’s story helped expose:
- Hernandez’s violent tendencies
- His double life off the football field
- The psychological and emotional instability that may have contributed to his crimes
Without Bradley’s involvement, key details in both murder trials may never have come to light. His willingness to testify—despite knowing the risks—has been recognized as an act of justice by legal observers and victims’ families.
Aaron Hernandez’s Death and Aftermath
Aaron Hernandez died by suicide in April 2017, just days after being acquitted in the double-murder trial that Bradley testified in. At the time, he was already serving a life sentence for the murder of Odin Lloyd.
Hernandez’s death prompted a wave of speculation, documentaries, and post-mortem analysis—including:
- Claims of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) contributing to his behavior
- Investigations into his mental health and personal identity
- Renewed scrutiny of the NFL’s role in addressing players’ well-being
Bradley has not made any public statements since Hernandez’s death.
Media Coverage and Public Interest
Alexander Bradley’s role in the Hernandez case was widely covered in:
- National news broadcasts
- True crime documentaries
- Podcast series and books
His story continues to be discussed in documentaries such as:
- Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez
- Aaron Hernandez: An ID Murder Mystery
Though not the primary subject, Bradley’s account provides a unique, insider’s view into a world of secrecy, violence, and betrayal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexander Bradley still alive?
Yes, Alexander Bradley is still alive as of 2025, though he is living a private life away from public attention.
Who is Alexander Bradley?
Bradley is a former friend of Aaron Hernandez who survived a shooting incident and later testified against Hernandez in a double-murder trial.
Did Aaron Hernandez shoot Alexander Bradley?
Bradley testified under oath that Aaron Hernandez shot him in the face in 2013. While Hernandez was never convicted for this specific shooting, the testimony was a central part of the 2017 trial.
Where is Alexander Bradley now?
His current location is unknown. Bradley has stayed out of the public eye since the trials, likely for personal safety reasons.
Why was Alexander Bradley important to the Hernandez case?
He was a key witness in the double-murder trial and provided firsthand accounts of Hernandez’s behavior and alleged crimes, including his own attempted murder.
Conclusion
So, is Alexander Bradley still alive? Yes, he is. Although he has stepped away from public life, his role in one of the most talked-about criminal cases in sports history remains significant.
Bradley’s survival, courage to testify, and first-hand experience of Aaron Hernandez’s double life shed light on a dark and complex narrative that captivated—and disturbed—the nation. His testimony not only exposed violent truths but also helped shape public understanding of the tragic downfall of a once-promising athlete.
Alexander Bradley may never return to the spotlight, but his story stands as a powerful reminder of the human cost behind celebrity, crime, and justice.