OCEANSIDE -- The death of NFL star Junior Seau was officially ruled a suicide by the San Diego County medical examiner's office.
Officials are awaiting the family's decision regarding the study of Seau's brain for evidence of repetitive injuries.
Seau was discovered dead in his beachside home in Oceanside on Wednesday morning from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, according to the report.
Officials have not determined an exact time of death.
Deputy Medical Examiner Craig Nelson conducted a forensic autopsy Thursday, including a full examination of Seau's body and organs while taking a collection of appropriate specimens for laboratory studies, including toxicology and microscopic examination of organs and tissues.
The results of those tests will be part of the medical examiner's final autopsy report, which could require as long as three months to complete.
MORE
Photos: Junior Seau, 1969-2012
Recalling Junior Seau's brief, ferocious career at USC
T.J. Simers: Junior Seau brought joy to many, but we didn't really know him
