Junior Seau's Death Ruled A Suicide, According To Reports

Late Thursday afternoon, the San Diego medical examiner announced that they had ruled Junior Seau's death a suicide. The ME's office released a statement confirming that Seau died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest and that his death was ruled a suicide. The release also stated that Seau's family had not decided if his brain would be donated for further study. Via USA Today:

"At this time, the Medical Examiner's Office is awaiting the family's decision regarding study of the brain for repetitive injury by researchers outside of the office," said the release.

Two groups are reportedly interested in studying his brain for CTE, but neither commented on the story for USA Today. Toxicology and other lab tests have not been released yet, but will be a part of the complete autopsy report which could take up to 90 days.

For more on the Miami Dolphins and reaction to Junior Seau's death, visit SB Nation's Dolphins blog The Phinsider.

Zach Thomas Calls Junior Seau 'His Hero'

The death of former NFL linebacker Junior Seau has caused a lot of reaction from around the league and media world, as Seau was almost universally liked by everyone he came into contract with, played with, or played against. One played Seau spent some time playing with was former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas, as Seau played three seasons with the Dolphins.

Thomas developed a relationship with Seau and called him his "hero" and the "greatest linebacker to ever play the game" in a statement about the linebacker's death:

"I have never been around a man with more love and passion for the game of football than Junior Seau, and he lived life the same way. Junior was always fun to be around, always positive and made every person who knew him feel like he was their best friend. You never heard one negative word come out of his mouth. Junior just had this energy that followed him around wherever he went, almost like theme music. It was like he never had a bad day.

"As a young linebacker, Junior was my hero growing up and once I had the opportunity meet him I saw that he was everything I hoped he would be and more. Getting the chance to play along side of Junior Seau, the greatest linebacker to ever play the game, made my dreams come true. I am absolutely devastated to hear this news. Today I lost my hero, my friend, my buddy."

For more on the Miami Dolphins and reaction to Junio Seau's death, visit SB Nation's Dolphins blog The Phinsider.

USC Remembers Junior Seau With Touching Video Tribute

Junior Seau Death: Miami Dolphins Release Statement

With the sad news of former Miami Dolphins linebacker Junior Seau's death, many have been mourning the loss of one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game and a sure fire Hall Of Famer. Miami Dolphins CEO Mike Dee released a statement Wednesday afternoon on the death of Seau, who spent three seasons playing for the Miami Dolphins.

"We are stunned and saddened at the passing of Junior Seau. During his time with the Dolphins he made a unique contribution to the team and the South Florida community.

"Junior was a fierce competitor whose passion and work ethic lifted his teammates to greater heights. His enthusiasm for the game was infectious and he passed that on to everyone who was around him. He loved the game so much, and no one played with more sheer joy.

"Beyond his accomplishments on the field, though, he was as well known for his charitable accomplishments to help those less fortunate than himself, especially kids. Whether it was in San Diego, South Florida, New England or everywhere else in between, Junior loved putting a smile on a child's face during his "Shop with a Jock" program or during one of his countless school visits. He made a difference to so many people in so many places.

"Junior was one-of-a-kind. The league will never see anyone like him again. He will be missed, and on behalf of the Miami Dolphins we want to extend our condolences to his family."

Seau was near the twilight of his career during his time with the Miami Dolphins, but he was still an impact player and played well in the Dolphins 3-4 defense at the time. Seau started 15 games for the Dolphins in 2003 and battled injuries the next two season with Miami, playing in just 15 games the next two season.

Seau ended his 20-year career with nearly 2,000 total tackles and 56.5 sacks. Seau made 12 Pro Bowls in his career.

For more on the Junior Seau situation, stay tuned to this StoryStream.

Police Confirm Junior Seau Dies From Gunshot Wound, Suicide Suspected

As more news trickles out, Oceanside, California police have confirmed the death of former Miami Dolphins linebacker Junior Seau. In a press conference outside of Seau's home on Wednesday, the police confirmed that the investigation of Seau's death is being treated as a suicide.

At the press conference, police said that a woman called the police around 9:30 a.m. PT and reported that she had found Junior Seau in his home unconscious with a gunshot wound in his chest. Police were dispatched and Seau's body was found in one of the home's bedrooms.

"Life saving efforts were formed on Mr. Seau," police said in a press conference. "However, they were not successful. Mr. Seau has deceased. This case at this point is being investigated as a suicide. A handgun was found near the body. As you can see this is a very fluid situation and our investigators are continuing their investigation in this matter. Pur hearts and prayers as a city go out to the Seau family."

For more on the Junior Seau situation, stay tuned to this StoryStream.

Junior Seau's Death Determined Suicide, According To Reports

Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Junior Seau was found dead in his California home on Wednesday and police are now investigating the possibility that Seau's death was a suicide. According to a report by the North Country Times, Seau died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.

Pro football great and Oceanside sports legend Junior Seau has apparently committed suicide, found by a housekeeper with a gunshot wound to the chest, according to multiple sources.

Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood said he learned of the death from police Chief Frank McCoy, who told him the cause of death appeared to be a gunshot wound to the chest.

Seau had been dealing with personal issues ever since he retired from the NFL after the 2009 NFL season, then with the New England Patriots. In 2010, Seau was involved in a bizarre car accident where he drove his SUV off a cliff and went to the hospital with minor injuries.

Prior to driving off the cliff, police were called to Seau's home to investigate a report of domestic violence.

For more on the Junior Seau situation, stay tuned to this StoryStream.

Junior Seau Dead At Age 43, According To Report

Former Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau was found dead in his home in Oceanside, CA according to a report.