Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter Dies at 76

April 20, 2014 11:42 AM EDT

Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, the famous boxer who served 19 years in prison before his exoneration after being wrongfully convicted of murder, died at home Sunday at age 76.

Carter’s friend and former co-defendant John Artis confirmed the news to the Associated Press. Carter died in his sleep after a battle with prostate cancer.

Carter was twice convicted of shooting three people in a Paterson, N.J., bar in 1966, two years after losing boxing’s middleweight championship. Prosecutorial misconduct involving racial bias and withheld evidence led both verdicts to be overturned in 1985.

Carter’s quest to clear his name attracted international attention. Amnesty International called him a “prisoner of conscience,” and the case inspired Bob Dylan to write the protest song “Hurricane.” The story of Carter’s life was turned into a Hollywood film, The Hurricane, in 1999, starring Denzel Washington.

[AP]

Rubin Carter, Wrongly Imprisoned and Later Freed

Rubin Hurricane Carter — Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, left, knocks out Italian boxer Fabio Bettini in the 10th and last round of their fight at the Falais Des Sports in Paris, Feb. 23, 1965.AP

Boxer Rubin (Hurricane) Carter talks to people picketing on — Boxer Rubin Hurricane Carter talks to people picketing on his behalf outside the Passaic County Court. Clarence Davis—NY Daily News/Getty Images

A view of the sleeve cover photograph of rock singer and songwriter Bob Dylan's 45 RPM single 'Hurricane,' showing boxer Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter in a fighting stance Getty Images

Rubin "Hurricane" Carter Celebrating Freedom — Former middleweight boxing contender Rubin "Hurricane" Carter waves and celebrates on the street after receiving his release from the New Jersey prison system in New York City after his conviction was overturned, Feb. 29, 1988. Ezio Petersen—Bettmann/Corbis

Actor Denzel Wahington (L), star of the new film "The Hurricane," based on the true story of Rubin ".. — From left, Denzel Wahington, Rubin Carter, and Evander Holyfield at the premier of *The Hurricane*, a film starring Denzel Washington on the life of Rubin Carter, Dec. 14 1999 in Los Angeles.Fred Prouser—Reuters

Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter dies — Carter posing at the Park Sheraton in Sydney, Feb. 15, 2010. Lee Besford—EPA

Boxer Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter Dies at 76

Rubin Carter, Wrongly Imprisoned and Later Freed

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