Former Chargers Linebacker Junior Seau Dead in Apparent Suicide

San Diego NFL legend Junior Seau died early Wednesday, May 2, 2012, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.

According to law enforcement, Seau’s girlfriend discovered his bleeding, unconscious body at their Oceanside home. A 911 call was placed around 10am in the morning. Life-saving efforts were attempted but unsuccessful. The former San Diego Charger was pronounced dead at the scene.

Despite widespread rumors, a law enforcement official told reporters that there was no suicide note left at the scene.

However, it is believed that Seau’s suicide was caused by depression and mental impairment brought on by head trauma he endured during his football career. Head trauma is an unfortunately continuous tragedy among football players, who constantly endure multiple and repeated hits to the head.

Born and raised in San Diego, Junior Seau came to be a local celebrity. The 12-time Pro Bowl player started his football career at Oceanside High School and went on to play for the University of Southern California (USC) before being drafted into the NFL as a San Diego Charger.

The 43-year-old athlete is survived by 4 children and an ex-wife.

We are saddened by this loss and sends our condolences to Seau’s family, friends, and loyal fans. This is a huge loss to the San Diego community. He is and will forever be San Diego’s most renowned Charger.

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