Junior Seau Was 'Smiling and Happy' Day He Sent 'I Love You' Text to Children
Ex-San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau was "smiling and happy" the day he sent a loving text message to his children and ex-wife, according to the Los Angeles Times.
On Tuesday, a day before his death, Seau sent a message to his three children – Sydney, Jake, and Hunter, and ex-wife Gina that ended with "I love you," according to the Los Angeles Times.
But, neighbor Brian Ballis told the paper that he saw the football star sitting on the balcony of his Oceanside, San Diego residence on the same day playing the ukulele and looking happy.
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"He was smiling and happy," Ballis told the Los Angeles Times, "and looking at the sky and looking at the waves."
Seau, 43, allegedly shot himself in the chest on Wednesday morning. Police believe that the cause of death was suicide but no sign of a suicide note has been discovered.
"We believe it was a suicide. There was no indication of foul play," Oceanside police Lt. Leonard Mata told reporters on Wednesday.
Seau, born Tiaina Baul Seau to American Samoan parents, was a highly successful American football star whose career in the NFL spanned 20 years. He was a 10-time All-Pro and a 12-time Pro Bowl selection.
The football star began his career at the University of Southern California until his junior year when the San Diego Chargers drafted him. He played for the Chargers for 13 seasons and later went on to play for the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots. He retired from his professional football career in 2009.
Upon the news of the untimely death, an outpouring of grief came from colleagues came from friends.
"He brought so much to this community over the years. A good person, a good friend. He was the fabric – really a part of this community," Chargers President Dean Spanos told the San Diego Union-Tribune.
"He was the heart and soul of our team for so many years. Even after he left, his roots and his home were still here. Just people loved him and admired him. It's obviously shocking," Spanos added.
"Junior was a true competitor and a special player. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Seau family," fellow NFL great John Elway tweeted.
An autopsy is expected to be performed on Thursday and the results will be made public.
