Junior Seau dead: Police investigating case as a suicide

OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- Police say former NFL star Junior Seau has been found dead in an apparent suicide at his home in Southern California.

Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy says Seau's girlfriend reported finding him unconscious with a gunshot wound to the chest Wednesday. McCoy says lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.

Seau's mother appeared before reporters, weeping uncontrollably.

Seau was a standout linebacker with the University of Southern California before going to the San Diego Chargers, whom he led to the Super Bowl following the 1994 season.

He remained with the Chargers until 2003 and went on to play with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots before retiring after the 2009 season.