Former Chicago Bears Safety Dave Duerson Death Ruled a Suicide; Donates Brain for Concussion Research

The death of former Chicago Bears safety Dave Duerson was ruled a suicide by the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner, WMAQ-TV in Chicago reported Saturday. Duerson was found dead Thursday night at his home in Miami. The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner said he died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

In a text message he sent to loved ones before his death, Duerson asked that his brain, particularly the "left side," be left for NFL researchers who study chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative disease common to boxers, football players and others who experience multiple concussions and head injuries.

"NFL players are at high risk for CTE," said Chris Nowinski, co-director of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at Boston University School of Medicine.

Nowinski said Duerson donating his brain for study was "an incredible selfless contribution to medical research."...More?

source: fox sports