Junior Seau’s Death Confirmed As Suicide By Medical Examiner

The Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed today that Junior Seau's death was a suicide.

The office conducted an exam that confirmed the 43-year-old Seau died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound of the chest.

Seau was discovered dead in his home Wednesday morning at about 9:35 a.m. The Medical Examiner’s Office does not determine an exact time of death.

Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Craig Nelson conducted a forensic autopsy, which includes a full examination of a decedent’s body and organs and collection of appropriate specimens for laboratory studies including toxicology and microscopic examination of organs and tissues.

The final results of those tests will be part of the Medical Examiner’s final autopsy report.

Upon completion of the examination, Seau’s body will be released to the family’s designated mortuary.

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.

Information about suicide prevention can be found by calling (800) 479-3339 or on the website up2SD.org.