The Dave Duerson Autopsy Report Is Predictably Heartbreaking

The Miami-Dade County medical examiner has released her final report on the death of former NFLer Dave Duerson, who shot himself through the heart last month and instructed that his brain be donated to head trauma research. Confirmed by the report is that Duerson complained of "memory loss and inability to spell," and was having financial problems.

The final scene in his apartment is probably the worst thing we can picture for our athletes: dead, in bed, surrounded by his medals and certificates. In his closet, his trophies and awards, and football helmets from his three different teams.

Folded neatly at the head of his bed, an American flag.

Meanwhile, Rex Ryan in an unenviably difficult situation given the timing, responded when asked by reporters about Duerson's allegations against Buddy Ryan, made three months before his death. Difficult not only because of Duerson's death, but also because Buddy Ryan is battling cancer.

Said Rex, who hasn't been the first to publicly defend Buddy Ryan against the claims,

I thought it was ridiculous...I've been around my dad a long time, and I never heard every conversation he ever had in his life, but I never heard him ever use language like that, a word like that. My dad loves his players, respected his players.

Here's the autopsy report. Click to enlarge.

EARLIER: "You Have To Accept My Pain": An Interview With Dave Duerson Three Months Before His Suicide Dave Duerson Folded an American Flag on His Bed Before Shooting Self [Miami New Times] Rex Ryan still simmers over Duerson claim [ESPN]