Junior Seau Confirmed Dead At His California Home

Longtime San Diego Charger, and New England Patriot, Junior Seau was found dead this morning at his home in Oceanside, CA of an apparent suicide. He was found a little after 9:30AM PST by his girlfriend who called 911. The police are now investigating the shooting at his home.

TMZ reports:

"NFL legend Junior Seau was found dead in his home in Oceanside, CA … and cops are investigating a shooting … multiple law enforcement sources tell TMZ.Cops are currently at Seau’s home just outside San Diego. Seau was 43-years-old … and leaves behind 3 kids and an ex-wife"

In 2010 Seau drove his SUV off a Carlsbad, CA cliff in which may feel was a suicide attempt. Seau denied the claims, stating he fell asleep at the wheel. Hours later he was held by police for allegedly attacking his girlfriend.

Below is the statement given at the scene by the Oceanside Police Department.

Tiaina Baul Seau Jr. was a hometown hero, playing high school football for Oceanside, before a successful college career at USC that led him to be drafted #5 overall in the 1990 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. After 13 years in San Diego, Seau then had stints with both the Dolphins and Patriots. After retirement, Seau returned to his home in Oceanside where he was an avid surfer.

The Chargers have released to following statement:

"Everyone at the Chargers is in complete shock and disbelief right now…We ask everyone to stop what they’re doing and send their prayers to Junior and his family."

The New England Patriots have released the following statement:

"We were shocked to hear of the initial reports regarding Junior Seau earlier today and are deeply saddened by the news of his death. We were fortunate to have had Junior join the Patriots in 2006 and are thankful for his many contributions to the team over the next four years. He had a legendary NFL career and his unrivaled passion for the game quickly made him a fan favorite here in New England. This is a sad day for the entire Patriots organization, our coaches and his many Patriots teammates. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his many friends who will mourn this loss."

This is a terrible tragedy for the San Diego community and NFL fans everywhere. Rest in peach Junior.