Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter, Boxer Who Inspired Oscar-Nominated Movie, Dies

Boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, whose wrongful murder conviction inspired a Bob Dylan song and a film starring Denzel Washington, died on Sunday at the age of 76, The Associated Press reports.

According to the news source, Carter had been suffering from prostate cancer in Toronto. John Artis, a longtime friend and caregiver, told the AP that Carter died in his sleep.

Artis was convicted alongside Carter in 1967 and again in 1976 for three murders at a tavern in Paterson, New Jersey that took place in 1966.

After 19 years in prison, Carter was freed in November 1985, with his ordeal being publicized in Bob Dylan's 1975 song Hurricane and a 1999 film starring Denzel Washington.

Following Rubin's passing, Denzel gave a statement to ET, saying, "God bless Rubin Carter and his tireless fight to ensure justice for all."

Rubin's boxing career was ended by his murder conviction after attaining a record of 27-12-1 with 19 knockouts.