O.J. Murdock, Tennnesee Titans Wide Receiver, Dies At 25 After Apparently Committing Suicide In Tampa [PHOTO]

By Howard Koplowitz | July 30 2012 12:10 PM

Tennessee Titans receiver O.J Murdock, 25, died Monday morning in Tampa after apparently committing suicide by shooting himself while sitting inside his car in front of Middleton High School, according to the Tampa Police Department.

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Tennessee Titans receiver O.J Murdock, 25, died Monday morning in Tampa after apparently committing suicide by shooting himself while sitting inside his car in front of Middleton High School, according to the Tampa Police Department.

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Orenthal James Murdock was discovered "with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound" around 8:30 a.m. Monday at 2502 East Wilder Ave. in Tampa in front of Middleton High School, according to a statement from Tampa police.

The Titans wide receiver graduated from the high school in 2005, according to his Facebook profile.

Murdock was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:43 a.m., police said.

Authorities are investigating the suicide, which devastated the Tennessee Titans. It's unclear what Murdock was going through, although the Titans said the 25-year-old receiver was excused from the NFL team's training camp "for personal reasons," according to NBC Sports.

Murdock, a two-year NFL veteran, sat out last season with an injury. He attended the University of South Carolina before transferring to Division II Fort Hays State in Hays, Kansas.

Murdock's untimely death rocked the Twitterverse. "O.J. Murdock" was trending on the micro-blogging site Monday morning as news of the wide receiver's suicide spread.

"RIP O.J. Murdock. That's really sad news," said @Illadelphiagirl.

"Rest easy, O.J. Murdock. So upsetting...," said Marcus Stephenson.

Twitter user @Lizzs_Lockeroom said she hoped Murdock's suicide would encourage those contemplating suicide to get the help they need.

"O.J. Murdock was only 25 years old... don't be ashamed or afraid to seek help, encourage family/friends to do the same #RIP #Titans," they wrote.

"Peace/God's grace for the family of O.J Murdock. Prayers to my#Titans family. Uncontional #love to those struggling and need help," said @1andonlyMelissa.

"So sad, this is becoming 2 common," said Twitter user Shane Wright.

Murdock's suicide comes almost three months after the NFL and the entire sports world was rocked by the suicide of former San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots linebacker Junior Seau.