Sports Headlines

Share to Twitter

Click the link below to share this story to Twitter.

Share to Twitter | Login to Twitter

Please note: If you are not logged in to Twitter on this device already, the story will not be shared. You may click the "Login" link to login to Twitter.

Back to Home

NFL Great Junior Seau Found Dead In California Home

Reporter: Associated Press

UPDATE: Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Police in Oceanside, Calif., say the death of former NFL star Junior Seau appears to be a suicide.

Seau, who was 43, was found shot to death at his home today. Police say his girlfriend reported finding him unconscious with a gunshot wound to the chest. A gun was found nearby.

His mother, Luisa Seau, was weeping uncontrollably as she appeared before reporters. She said, "I don't understand." She said her son had given no indication of a problem when she spoke to him by phone earlier in the week, and that he was "joking" with her.

Seau was a standout linebacker with USC before going to the San Diego Chargers and leading them to the Super Bowl after the 1994
season. The team says in a statement that everyone with the Chargers "is in complete shock and disbelief" over the news.

In October of 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 home he shared with his girlfriend. She had told authorities that he assaulted her during an argument.

Seau told authorities he fell asleep while driving. He suffered minor injuries.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Police in Oceanside, Calif., say former NFL star Junior Seau has been found dead at his home.

Police Lt. Karen Laser confirmed the death Wednesday but released no other details.

Police responded to a report of a shooting at 10 a.m. at Seau's home on the coast north of San Diego.

Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy says Seau's girlfriend reported finding him unconscious with a gunshot wound to the chest Wednesday. McCoy says lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.

Seau's mother appeared before reporters, weeping uncontrollably.

Seau was a standout linebacker with the University of Southern California before going to the San Diego Chargers, whom he led to
the Super Bowl following the 1994 season.

He remained with the Chargers until 2003 and went on to play with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots before retiring after the 2009 season.