Former NFL star Junior Seau was found dead at his home Wednesday, authorities said.
Police Lt. Karen Laser confirmed the death, and another law enforcement officer said the case is "being investigated as a suicide."
Police responded to a report of a shooting at 10 a.m. at Seau's home on the coast north of San Diego.
"Everyone at the Chargers is in complete shock and disbelief right now," the San Diego Chargers said in a statement. "We ask everyone to stop what they’re doing and send their prayers to Junior and his family.”
Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood told the North County Times he learned of Seau's death from police chief Frank McCoy. The Times and TMZ reported that Seau, 43, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound by a housekeeper with a gunshot wound to his chest.
"He was a local hero — he certainly gave back to the community and to the youth through his Junior Seau Foundation," Wood told the North County Times. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."
In October 2010, Seau survived a 100-foot plunge down a seaside cliff in his SUV, hours after he was arrested for investigation of domestic violence at the Oceanside home he shared with his girlfriend. The woman had told authorities that Seau assaulted her during an argument.
There was no evidence of drugs or alcohol involved in the crash and Seau told authorities he fell asleep while driving. He sustained minor injuries.
The 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker played for the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots from 1990 to 2009.
The Chargers selected Seau as the fifth overall pick in the 1990 draft. He retired after playing the 2009 season with the Patriots.
He amassed 545 tackles, 56 1/2 sacks and 18 interceptions in his career.
''Twenty years, to be part of this kind of fraternity, to be able to go out and play the game that you love, and all the lessons and the friends and acquaintances which you meet along the way, you can't be in a better arena,'' Seau said last August after the Chargers announced he would be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame.
2 comments:
He was found dead by a housekeeper with a gunshot wound to his chest?
That's one tough housekeeper? And some crappy writing.
One of the best to ever play the game. Sad day.
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