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.