Following his request , his brain was sent to the Boston University School of Medicine for research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy ( CTE ) .
At age 50 , Duerson died of a self - inflicted gunshot wound to the chest .
Following Duerson 's request , Duerson 's brain was sent to the Boston University School of Medicine for research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy ( CTE ) .
At age 50 , Duerson died of a self - inflicted gunshot wound to the chest .