Former NFL star Junior Seau, 43, was found dead at his home Wednesday, authorities said.
JUNIOR SEAU: 1969-2012
Let's take a look back at the career of the former All-Pro linebacker.
Police Lt. Karen Laser confirmed the death, and another law enforcement officer said "this case is being investigated as a suicide and a handgun was found by the body."
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 theyre doing and send their prayers to Junior and his family.
Seau is the eighth member of the 1994 Chargers team, which reached Super Bowl XXIX, to die before reaching the age of 45.
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.
UNIVERSAL SORROW
The sports world takes to Twitter to react after Junior Seau's death.
"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.
Seau spent parts of 20 seasons in the NFL, including 1990-2002 with his hometown Chargers. He led them to their only Super Bowl appearance, was voted to a team-record 12 straight Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro six times.
He amassed 545 tackles, 56 1/2 sacks and 18 interceptions in his career.
TRAGIC SPORTS DEATHS
Remembering the many athletes sports lost way too soon.
''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.
Seau was with the Chargers from 1990, when he was the fifth pick overall in the draft out of Southern California, until being traded to the Miami Dolphins after the 2002 season. He came out of retirement a few times to play with the Patriots in search of a Super Bowl ring and was with the team when they lost to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl following the 2007 season, which ended New England's quest for a perfect season.
JUNIOR SEAU: 1969-2012Let's take a look back at the career of the former All-Pro linebacker.
Police Lt. Karen Laser confirmed the death, and another law enforcement officer said "this case is being investigated as a suicide and a handgun was found by the body."
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 theyre doing and send their prayers to Junior and his family.
Seau is the eighth member of the 1994 Chargers team, which reached Super Bowl XXIX, to die before reaching the age of 45.
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.
UNIVERSAL SORROWThe sports world takes to Twitter to react after Junior Seau's death.
"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.
Seau spent parts of 20 seasons in the NFL, including 1990-2002 with his hometown Chargers. He led them to their only Super Bowl appearance, was voted to a team-record 12 straight Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro six times.
He amassed 545 tackles, 56 1/2 sacks and 18 interceptions in his career.
TRAGIC SPORTS DEATHSRemembering the many athletes sports lost way too soon.
''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.
Seau was with the Chargers from 1990, when he was the fifth pick overall in the draft out of Southern California, until being traded to the Miami Dolphins after the 2002 season. He came out of retirement a few times to play with the Patriots in search of a Super Bowl ring and was with the team when they lost to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl following the 2007 season, which ended New England's quest for a perfect season.
