The family of former NFL player Terry Long has come forward with a devastating revelation about his final days. Long, who took his own life, left behind a suicide note that shed light on his anguish following the tragic death of his nephew from heatstroke in Manhattan.
A Heartbreaking Chain of Events
According to sources close to the family, Long had been deeply affected by the sudden loss of his nephew. The young man succumbed to heatstroke during a scorching summer day in Manhattan, an incident that left Long inconsolable.
The Suicide Note
In his final message, Long expressed overwhelming grief and guilt, unable to cope with the tragedy. "I can't bear the pain anymore," he reportedly wrote. "The world feels empty without him."
Mental Health in the Spotlight
This tragic story highlights the often-overlooked mental health struggles faced by athletes after their careers end. Long, who played offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1980s, had faced personal challenges since retiring from the sport.
- Long's NFL career spanned from 1984 to 1991
- He battled depression and financial difficulties post-retirement
- The heatstroke death occurred during a record-breaking heatwave
A Family's Plea
The Long family has asked for privacy during this difficult time but hopes their story will raise awareness about both heatstroke dangers and mental health support for former athletes. "We want something positive to come from this tragedy," a family spokesperson said.
