Former NFL pro-bowl linebacker Junior Seau was found dead Wednesday morning in his Oceanside, CA home at the age of 43 years old.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the ex-linebacker’s girlfriend found the NFL star with a fatal gun shot wound to his chest.

A hand gun is reported to be found by his side and medical efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

The Oceanside Police Department are investigating his death as a suicide.

Seau played 20 years in the NFL, 13 with the Chargers, 4 with the New England Patriots, and 3 with the Miami Dolphins.

(Update 10:45 AM PT) A university is interested in studying Junior Seau’s brain to see if there is any  medical connection with head injuries and suicide.

Sports Illustrated reported earlier today that Boston University’s Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy has found that disease can result in the brain from repeated head trauma, causing depression.

The university came to these conclusions after studying the brain of former NFL player Dave Duerson, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest last year and asked that his brain be studied.

Although Seau was never listed on an NFL injury report, his ex-wife and friends say he suffered many concussions during his 20 seasons.

Police continue to investigate the death of Seau and it is unclear if he wanted his brain to be studied.

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Written by Jenna

Jenna is a journalist born and raised in southern California. While obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Cal State University, Northridge, she worked as a sports intern with KABC7. She had the opportunity to interview athletes such as Jerry Rice, Marcus Allen, and Marshall Faulk to name a few. Mom and Dad made sure their girl would be a sports fan, and took her to her first Angels baseball game at the tender age of two weeks. Being more of a fan of individuals than just one NFL team, you can catch her watching every game on Sunday with multiple jersey changes; depending on which players she has on her fantasy team. Journalism and sports is where two of Jenna’s greatest passions can come to life together, and she is grateful for her opportunity at Her Game Life.