Shane Tamura, the man who embarked on a deadly journey from Las Vegas to the New York headquarters of the National Football League (NFL), has been confirmed to have had Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, according to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Reports indicate that Tamura, who left four individuals dead in his wake, had penned in his own writings about his affliction. A three-page note discovered on his person accused the NFL of ‘concealing the dangers to players’ brains to maximize profits,’ implying a personal grievance rooted in a traumatic brain injury.
Tamura’s life ended by his own hand, a gunshot wound, after he’d written, ‘Study my brain, please. I’m sorry.’ Following a comprehensive analysis by neuropathology experts, the Medical Examiner’s office has found conclusive diagnostic proof of CTE in Tamura’s brain tissue.
The significance becomes clear when we consider the evolving science surrounding this condition. CTE is typically found in individuals with a history of repeated exposure to head trauma. The physical and mental implications of this disease are still under investigation.
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The NFL expressed its condolences in a statement, acknowledging the ‘senseless loss of lives,’ while making it clear that ‘there is no justification for the horrific acts that took place.’
Among the victims were Aland Etienne, a security guard for the building; Wesley LePatner, a Blackstone executive, wife, and mother; Didarul Islam, a police officer and father of two; and Julia Hyman, a young employee at Rudin Management. All of the victims, except for Hyman, were killed in the building’s lobby within a span of 30 seconds.
This development follows earlier reports that Tamura moved to the elevator bank after the lobby shooting, letting a woman pass unharmed. His trajectory seems to indicate an intended destination – the NFL offices – but he found himself on the wrong floor.
Sebije Nelovic, an office cleaner, reported that Tamura fired at her but missed. She hid in a closet and prayed as she heard his approach. As the shots hit the closet door, Nelovic recalled her thoughts of Hyman, a 27-year-old who was the last victim before Tamura ended his own life.
Tamura discharged a total of 47 rounds, implying at least one reload. While the facts surrounding this tragic event continue to unfold, the presence of CTE in Tamura’s brain tissue raises important questions about the impact of repeated head trauma and its potential links to violent behavior.
