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This is a tragedy. Sean Taylor was 24 years young, in the prime time of his career as a pro athlete, a Pro-bowler last year. Sean was gunned down in a senseless shooting in Miama, during a home invasion.

Sean Taylor isn't the first active NFL player to be killed this year...Denver cornerback Darrent Williams was shot and killed in January.

From the AP...

MIAMI - Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor has died, says family friend Richard Sharpstein.

The 24-year-old player was shot in the upper leg, damaging an artery and causing significant blood loss. Family members were concerned that he could have permanent brain damage.

Miami-Dade Police were investigating the attack, which came just eight days after an intruder was reported at Taylor's home. Officers were dispatched about 1:45 a.m. Monday after Taylor's girlfriend called 911. Taylor was airlifted to the hospital.

Sharpstein said Taylor's girlfriend told him the couple was awakened by loud noises, and Taylor grabbed a machete he keeps in the bedroom for protection. Someone then broke through the bedroom door and fired two shots, one missing and one hitting Taylor, Sharpstein said. Taylor's 1-year-old daughter, Jackie, was also in the house at the time, but neither she nor Taylor's girlfriend were injured.

"It could have been a possible burglary; it could have been a possible robbery," Miami-Dade Police Lt. Nancy Perez said. "It has not been confirmed as yet."
[...]
A group of fans held a two-hour vigil Monday evening in the rain outside Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. Gibbs was joined by the team chaplain at the Redskins' usual Monday meeting, and a small group of players held a separate prayer gathering.

"This is not just a member of the Washington Redskins," safety Pierson Prioleau said. "But we're talking about a dad, a brother, a friend of ours, and that's where we're at with this right now."

Analysis later. For now, simply condolences to the family.