Former NFL Linebacker Junior Seau Found Dead, Suicide Suspected [UPDATE]

According to TMZ, there was a shooting at the Oceanside, California, home of former NFL linebacker Junior Seau. TMZ says that multiple sources have confirmed to them that Seau was found dead inside his home. Seau was 43 years old.

A bizarre side note: Seau is now the eighth member of the 1994 AFC Champion San Diego Chargers to pass away.

UPDATE: TMZ now reports that cops suspect that Seau committed suicide, and that he sent "Love you" text messages yesterday to his ex-wife and children. So, so sad.

And the North County Times is reporting that Seau died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.

UPDATE #2: The San Diego Chargers have released a statement regarding Seau's death:

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.

Local police are expected to hold a press conference shortly.

UPDATE #3: Local police just addressed the media. A 911 call was placed at 9:35 am this morning, when Seau was found unconscious in one of his bedrooms by a woman. He had a gunshot to the chest, and a handgun was found nearby. Police and fire departments responded, performed saved live-saving efforts on him, but were not successful.

The case is being investigated as a suicide.

UPDATE #4: Reactions are flowing in from NFL players, past and present, but Saints lineman Eric Olsen shares here an amazing story of when he went one-on-one against Seau during a football camp in high school. More of these, please.

Also, the Chargers are flying the team flag at half-staff today.

In addition, Chargers.com has gone with a full-page tribute.

UPDATE #5: The New York Times' Greg Bishop is reporting that police did not find any suicide note from Seau. Also, Bishop reports that Seau's body was found by his girlfriend, who went to the gym and found his body upon returning.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has also released a statement, via Twitter:

All of us are deeply saddened about Junior Seau, a great player loved by teammates who also worked hard to serve his community. Junior and his family will remain in our thoughts.