New York City, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Former high school football player Shane Tamura was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) posthumously after a tragic shooting incident in New York City. Tamura took the lives of four individuals before taking his own life, leaving behind a note expressing anger towards the NFL and a request for his brain to be studied for CTE. This incident has raised concerns about mental health and the prevalence of CTE among players, especially given the growing awareness and research into its effects.
New York City – Former high school football player Shane Tamura, who shot and killed four people before taking his own life in July 2025, has been posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The shooting occurred in a Manhattan building housing NFL headquarters, where Tamura, 27 at the time of his death, injured one NFL employee before committing suicide.
A medical examination conducted by the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner revealed “unambiguous diagnostic evidence” of CTE in Tamura’s brain tissue. He was classified with “low-stage CTE” according to current consensus criteria. CTE is a degenerative brain disease commonly found in athletes from contact sports and military personnel who have suffered head injuries.
A 2023 study from Boston University found that 345 out of 376 deceased NFL players had CTE, highlighting the prevalence of this condition among former players. Symptoms of CTE can include depression, cognitive impairment, and suicidal thoughts, all of which Tamura reportedly experienced prior to his death.
In a note left behind, Tamura expressed anger towards the NFL and requested that his brain be studied for CTE after his death. He chose to shoot himself in the chest to allow for an examination of his brain, rather than targeting his head.
During the shooting incident, Tamura mistakenly targeted the wrong office. The broader implications of Tamura’s actions and mental health struggles highlight a concerning trend as he is not the first former football player linked to violent behavior. Other notable cases include former NFL players Rock Hill and Aaron Hernandez, both diagnosed with severe CTE posthumously.
Before the tragic events, Tamura had a history of mental health issues, reporting headaches and seeking treatment for depression and insomnia. Additionally, he was subject to several mental health checks by the Las Vegas Police, including a notable 2022 incident where he threatened self-harm. In 2024, Tamura had a mental health hold, and he faced legal issues in 2023 related to a casino incident that did not result in charges.
There is growing concern regarding CTE among younger athletes. Research indicates a significant incidence of CTE in high school athletes. Chris Nowinski from the Concussion Legacy Foundation has called for stricter guidelines and enhanced education regarding CTE in youth sports. High school sports organizations have begun implementing measures to reduce injury risks and limit contact during practices.
The NFL acknowledged it has grown more aware of CTE since it first recognized its link to football in 2016. However, researchers have pointed out that CTE can only be diagnosed posthumously, complicating efforts to connect the condition to behavioral issues while individuals are still living.
The evolving science surrounding CTE and its mental health ramifications continues to engage both sports and medical communities, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and greater awareness.
FAQ
What condition was Shane Tamura diagnosed with after his death?
Shane Tamura was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) posthumously.
What was the cause of Shane Tamura’s tragic event in July 2025?
Shane Tamura shot and killed four people before committing suicide during a shooting in Manhattan.
What actions did Shane Tamura take during the shooting incident?
During the shooting, Tamura mistakenly targeted the wrong office and injured one NFL employee.
How has the NFL responded to CTE and related concerns?
The NFL stated there is “no justification” for the acts committed and noted ongoing research into the impacts of CTE.
What is CTE and how is it diagnosed?
CTE is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma, and it can only be diagnosed posthumously.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Shane Tamura | Former high school football player diagnosed with CTE posthumously. |
| Shooting Incident | Took place in July 2025 at NFL headquarters in Manhattan, resulting in four deaths. |
| CTE Diagnosis | Confirmed by NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as low-stage. |
| Symptoms of CTE | Include depression, cognitive impairment, and suicidal thoughts. |
| NFL’s Response | Ongoing research into CTE impacts; acknowledgment of the condition since 2016. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The Guardian
- CBS News
- The New York Times
- ESPN
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
- Google Search: CTE Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
- Google Scholar: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
- Google News: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
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