Junior Seau's Children Visit Memorial

Seau's ex-wife said the outpouring of love and support from fans was overwhelming

Junior Seau's sons and daughter surrounded their mother and talked quietly while they read cards and notes left outside their father's Oceanside home.

It was the first time this week the children have visited the home where their father, former San Diego Charger and NFL Pro Bowler was found dead Wednesday.

Seau, 43, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest officials said. New: 911 Call Released in Seau Suicide

The linebacker's ex-wife Gina Deboer Seau told NBCSanDiego she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from fans following her ex-husband's death.

Before leaving, she took a photograph of four children in front of the home. The group included her three children and a child from a previous marriage.

Other family members stopped by earlier Friday to organize the growing collection of flowers, jerseys and balloons left on the bike path along South Strand Boulevard.

They moved the items back, clearing to make room along the sidewalk. 

Hundreds of people have visited the memorial outside the home where Seau lived for years - right along the beach where he loved to surf. 

On Thursday night, family members held hands during a traditional Polynesian song during an emotional family vigil.

Tiaina Seau clutched his son's football ring as Luisa Seau wiped away tears with her son's towel. Shock still seemed to consume them.

At one point his mother screamed out, β€œWake up, wake up!" 

His father cried, β€œSon, son, where are you son?”

For a second time this week, Luisa Seau addressed the crowd of media and well wishers letting them know the family appreciates their support.

β€œI say thank you, thank you. That's all the word from my family. Thank you for your guys' love,” she said.

Complete Coverage in our Special Section: Junior Seau 1969-2012

The Seau family may donate the late NFL star's brain for research into repetitive head injuries.

Hours after San Diego Chargers chaplain Shawn Mitchell told the Associated Press the family made the decision Thursday, sister Annette Seau So'Oto told NBCSanDiego there has been no such decision made.

The Seaus "have made this decision to allow for the possibility of helping other people/players down the road through this study," Mitchell wrote in an email Friday.

Seau So'Oto said denied the announcement when she spoke with NBC 7's Rory Devine.

"I am not going to comment on the pastor's comment right now there has been no decision whether it be the brain or the service – as of right now, nothing has been decided," she said.

A forensic pathologist familiar with the NFL flew in to help determine whether Seau's suicide could be linked to football concussions, ESPN reports.

Seau did have concussions when he played but nothing out of the ordinary Seau’s ex-wife Gina told the Associated Press Thursday.

"He's a warrior. That didn't stop him. I don't know what football player hasn't," she said. "It's not ballet. It's part of the game." 

There's been no medical evidence that brain injuries from football may have played a role in his death.

San Diego's medical examiner confirmed Thursday the cause of death was suicide, something officials alluded to just hours after the retired football player was found in a bedroom; a gun lying next to his body.

A private service will be held at a local church in Oceanside according to SEau’s brother but there will be a public ceremony expected to be held Saturday, April 12, at Oceanside High School.
A formal announcement is expected Friday.

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