Former Tennessee Titan NFL QB Steve McNair Dead … Shot to Death in Nashville, TN

Sad and shocking news from the NFL and out of Nashville, TN on this 4th of July weekend …

Nashville, TN police are confirming that former Houston Oiler/Tennessee Titan and NFL QB Steve McNair was shot and killed. McNair was a 13 year veteran of the NFL spending 11 with the Oilers/Titans. McNair is one of the most beloved Titans to ever put on the uniform. Sadly, Steve McNair dead at the age of 36, Rest in Peace.

Steve McNair, Rest in Peace

Titans owner Bud Adams released the following statement:

“We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair’s passing today. He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they deal with his untimely passing.”

UPDATE I: McNair suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head in downtown Nashville, TN

Steve McNair was found shot to death along with an unidentified woman Saturday. The two were found dead in a Nashville condo in what appears to be a double homicide. The woman’s name is being held until pending notification of the next of kin.

The man known in college as Air McNair out of Alcorn St, became know in the NFL and the Titans as being one of the toughest and hard working QB’s in the business. Never can I remember a game toward the end of McNair’s career where he was not playing with an injury that would sideline most. McNair was one of the true NFL gladiators and warriors of his generation where statistics did not tell the story.

As 4th of July fireworks are scheduled tonight in Nashville, TN … many of the spectators for the festivities have gone to the location of the shooting in downtown Nashville.

 UPDATE II: From Channel News 5 out of Nashville, TN

According to police reports, although there have been several people taken to police headquarters, there have been no suspects taken into custody.

The incident happened near 2nd South & Lea Avenue.

A crowd began to gather in the area where Steve McNair’s body was found Saturday afternoon.

“When police officers arrived in response to that call, they found two individuals who had been shot to death inside the residence: one female, one male. We now know that the male deceased is Steve McNair. The female deceased has been tentatively identified. We’re working to confirm that and then notify her next of kin,” said Don Aaron with Metro Police on the situation.

That female victim’s identity was not released as of 4:20 p.m. Saturday afternoon.

Steve McNair was a 3 time Pro Bowler and co-NFL MVP with  with Peyton Manning in 2003.

UPDATE III: Former Titans quarterback Steve McNair dead

Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron confirmed that authorities were called to a condominium and found McNair and a woman shot to death inside. Aaron said police don’t yet know the circumstances of the shootings.

The condominium where the bodies were found is one that McNair was known to frequent, but police spokeswoman Kristin Mumford could not say whether he was the owner.

About 50 people crowded just beyond police tape outside the complex in the upscale Rutledge Hill neighborhood, some wearing Titans hats. The condominium is located within walking distance of an area filled with restaurants and nightspots, just a few blocks from the Cumberland River and within view of the Titans’ stadium.

 UPDATE IV: Many Reflections on Steve McNair from ESPN

UPDATE V: Statement from Baltimore Ravens GM, the other NFL Team McNair Played for

“This is so, so sad. We immediately think of his family, his boys. They are all in our thoughts and prayers. What we admired most about Steve when we played against him was his competitive spirit, and we were lucky enough to have that with us for two years. He is one of the best players in the NFL over the last 20 years…. He was a great player, one of the toughest of competitors, and a tremendous teammate, who was a leader on the field and in the locker room, especially to the young players.”

CNN: Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair killed, police say the woman has been tentatively identified, but her name is not being released, authorities said.

A law enforcement source close to the investigation said the woman is McNair’s girlfriend and that the residence is her condominium.

Witnesses said McNair was a frequent visitor there.

UPDATE VI: McNair’s Escalade involved in DUI arrest this week

The Tennessian is reporting that earlier this week, a car registered to Steve McNair and a 20 year old woman was stopped on Broadway by police. The driver and co-owner, Sahel Kazemi, was charged with DUI.

The driver and co-owner, Sahel Kazemi, was charged with driving under the influence and refusing to take a breath test. The car was a 2007 black Cadillac Escalade.

Earlier today, a black Escalade was towed from the condominium complex on Second Avenue where McNair and a female who has not yet been identified by police were found dead this afternoon.

It is not clear whether this is the same vehicle involved in the DUI arrest.

 UPDATE VII: Police confirm that female shooting victim was Sahel Kazemi

Police have confirmed that Steve McNair suffered several gunshots, and the woman with him died of one gunshot to the head.

“The medical examiner will be conducting autopsies tomorrow,” Metro police spokesman Don Aaron said. “We expect to make additional conclusions after the autopsy process.”

According the the police press conference McNair was shot multiple times and the female victim, Sahel Kazemi, was shot once in the head. Metro police said that the door was locked when a co-renter of the condo arrived. Also the police spokesman said that they are not actively looking for a suspect tonight and they will be meeting with the Medical Examiner tomorrow morning.

Wow, I am speculating, but from the info the police gave in tonights press conference, this sounds like a murder/suicide. One victim shot multiple times, one victim with one shot to the head, the gun still present at the crime scene, the door to the condo was locked, McNair was found dean on a coach and the woman on the floor and they are not presently looking for a suspect.