Wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in an NYC prison cell, according to NBC News citing three officials.

The sources told NBC News that Epstein hung himself and was found on Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. ET. 

He was waiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving allegations that date to the early 2000s, and facing up to 45 years in prison if convicted.

According to court records in Florida, authorities say that at least 40 underage girls were brought into Epstein's Palm Beach mansion for what turned into sexual encounters after female fixers looked for suitable girls locally, in Eastern Europe, and other parts of the world. 

Some girls were also allegedly brought to Epstein's homes in New York City, New Mexico, and a private Caribbean island, according to court documents. 

Epstein had denied his charges with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors, and was denied bail on July 18.

He was taken into custody on July 6 on federal sex trafficking charges when he returned from Paris to U.S.' New Jersey on a private jet.

Epstein, 66 years old, was a wealthy hedge fund manager who once counted as friends of former President Bill Clinton, Great Britain's Prince Andrew, and President Donald Trump. 

In late July, a week after being denied bail, Epstein had been found unconscious in his cell at the jail in Manhattan with neck injuries, in an apparent suicide attempt.

(With input from agencies)