On Thursday, the Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an examination that confirmed the cause and manner of death in the case of Tiaina Baul Seau Jr. (Junior Seau).
The 43-year-old Oceanside resident died in his home in the 600 block South The Strand of a self-inflicted gunshot wound of the chest. The manner of death has been classified as suicide. 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 and completion of administrative responsibilities in the death certificate, the decedent’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.
The Medical Examiner’s Office expresses its condolences to members of the Seau family,
