According to CNN's Los Angeles office, former NFL linebacker Junior Seau died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Wednesday, according to police. He was 43.
A handgun was found near his body in a bedroom of his Oceanside, California, home by officers responding to an emergency call from a woman who said she was Seau's girlfriend, Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy said.
She told police she returned to the home about 9:30 a.m. and found Seau "unconscious, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest," said McCoy, "This case, at this point, is being investigated as a suicide."
Seau could not be revived by paramedics, McCoy said.
Seau's grieving mother, Luisa Seau, cried loudly as she spoke outside the home just two hours after police were called there, "I pray to God, 'Take me; take me; leave my son,' but it's too late," Seau's parents are from the island of Aunu'u, American Samoa.
"My brother was a loving brother, caring citizen," his sister, Annette Seau, said as she asked journalists to respect the family's privacy. "I know you guys will overblow this."
These facts, thanks to Wikipedia, give us a real sense of Junior's love of humanity. Seau was actively involved with community work through his foundation as well as Samoan day events called "sister city" within San Diego county. Seau owned a clothing line, Say-Ow, as well as Seau's The Restaurant in Mission Valley, San Diego.
Seau married Gina Deboer in 1991 and divorced in 2002. He had three children with Deboer: daughter Sydney Beau (born 1993) and sons Jake Ryan (1995) and Hunter Tiaina (2000).
Sports Jobs with Junior Seau premiered on December 2, 2009 on Versus. The show followed Seau as he did the jobs that make sports work. Ten episodes aired during the first season, with finale airing on January 27, 2010. As of March 3, 2010 the show has not been renewed for a second season.
On January 31, 2011, Seau's nephew, Ian Seau, committed to play at Kansas State, and another nephew, Micah Seau, committed to play for San Diego State University.
In 1992, Seau created the Junior Seau Foundation with the mission to educate and empower young people through the support of child abuse prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, recreational opportunities, anti-juvenile delinquency efforts and complimentary educational programs.
The 20th Anniversary Junior Seau Celebrity Golf Classic was held March 10–12, 2012 at the world famous La Costa Resort and Spa. The Foundation gives out an annual award to the individual who exemplifies the mission statement of the Junior Seau Foundation.
- 2000–– Legend of the Year — Sid Brooks
- 2001–– Legend of the Year — Lance Alworth
- 2002–– Legend of the Year — Sid Gillman
- 2003–– Legend of the Year — Don Coryell
- 2004–– Legend of the Year — Marcus Allen
- 2005–– Legend of the Year — Deacon Jones
- 2006–– Legend of the Year — Bobby Ross
- 2007–– Legend of the Year — Warren Moon
- 2008–– Legend of the Year — Marshall Faulk
- 2009–– Legend of the Year — Charlie Joiner
- 2010–– Legend of the Year — John Lynch
- 2011–– Legend of the Year — Bill Walton
These are just a few of Junior Seau's contribution to the world in which he lived. Life is but a breath. It's incredibly short and we have to live it as if we didn't have tomorrow. Ecclesiastes 3:2 says, "...a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot."
Let us be clear, and accurately report, that the truth and cause of this tragedy has not been completely exposed. The sensationalists will have quite a time, misleading and distorting the facts. Junior Seau was regularly in the spotlight because he was an incredibly talented athlete. He was also a son, brother and friend.
The truth will always prevail, but lies will be propagated. "And shutting their ears to what is true, will be turned away to belief in foolish stories." - 2 Timothy 4:4. This scripture refers to the Gospel but holds true to spiritual law and how we are to live. Shouldn't we be more merciful when tragedy strikes? When grief comes, it's usually uninvited and is never in a hurry to leave. To some degree, it will occupy a room in your heart for a long time. We are never the same after tragedy strikes us. We get through it, but not over it.
Overall I believe that the majority of people are good, it's just that it's difficult to ignore the scavengers digging for sensationalism. Junior's family needs love and understanding in this hour of heartache. They would give anything to be spending tomorrow with their loved one that has been taken so prematurely into eternity. Good grief, let them grieve.
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contributing links:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/02/sport/nfl-seau-dead/?hpt=us_c2
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