Someone near Middleton High School in Tampa heard a gunshot in the early morning hours of July 30, 2012. When police arrived on the scene, they found Tennessee Titans wide receiver and Middleton High alumnus O.J. Murdock in his car with a gunshot wound to the head. Two hours later, he was pronounced dead. He was 25.
Teammates expressed shock at Murdock’s suicide, saying that their teammate – who was in training and had yet to play in a game – seemed in fine spirits.
“It’s a horrible thing,” tight end Jared Cook told the Tennessean. “You just don’t see things like this coming. He was an awesome dude, he really was.”
“He told me Friday night he was doing all right and would be here,” said wide receiver Damian Williams. Murdock was supposed to be in Nashville for training.
Brain Tissue Donation
Murdock’s family has decided to donate his brain tissue to researchers. The families of deceased NFL stars Dave Duerson and Junior Seau also donated brain tissue samples for study, hoping to find a link between football-related head injuries and depression.
“If O.J. can help someone still living, he was the type of person who would’ve wanted to do this,” said Jamesena Murdock, O.J.’s mother.
We are extremely saddened by this tragic loss of a young man with so much potential. We hope that scientists can use his tissues to find solutions to this troubling trend of athletes and suicide.
If you know someone suffering from a traumatic brain injury, call us at (615) 866-3938 or visit our site to learn more about traumatic brain injuries. We offer free consultations to help you figure out your next step.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Law Office of Stanley A. Davis – Nashville injury lawyer