Dave Duerson propped a dining room chair against the front door of his Sunny Isles apartment. He neatly laid out documents on the dining room table and on his bed. He also placed two framed certificates, framed medals, and a folded American flag at the head of the bed. Naked except for a gold necklace, he climbed into bed and pulled a green sheet up to his neck.

A crucifix was tattooed on his upper left chest. A Tasmanian Devil cartoon and two Chinese characters were inked on his left arm.

Apparently propping himself up with his elbows, Duerson held a fully loaded .38 Special in his left hand, aimed for his heart, and shot himself through the chest. The lead slug was later found in his right lung.