NFL Star Sean Taylor Dies From Gunshot Injuries

MSNBC is reporting that Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor has died from injuries sustained in a shooting early Monday morning. Taylor, 24, had been in critical condition since the shooting, which occurred when he confronted one or more intruders in his home he shares with his fiancee and 18-month-old daughter. He was shot in the upper thigh near the femoral artery.

Sean Taylor Remembered

The funeral services for fallen NFL player Sean Taylor were held today in Florida. Thousands of mourners, including the members of the Washington Redskins and actor Andy Garcia, were present to pay their respects.

Rev. Jesse Jackson provided an eulogy in which he proclaimed that, "Our American house is on fire. We've become much too violent. We accept violence as the norm . . . It is uncivilized. It must be rejected."

Yesterday, the players of every NFL team wore Sean's number, 21, on their respective helmets to honor him. A moment of silence was also observed prior to each game.

Personally, I thought the most touching of the tributes was made by his teammates on the Redskin defense. Their first play from scrimmage had only ten men, leaving a void where one had fallen.

Andy Garcia Honors Sean Taylor

Thousands gathered to mourn Sean Taylor at his funeral today and actor Andy Garcia was among them, calling the Washington Redskins star a hero. Taylor was engaged to Garcia's niece Jackie Garcia and was with her and their 18-month old daughter when he was shot during an apparent robbery in their Miami home. "His heroic action on that tragic night saved their life and is a testament to his humanity and courage," Andy Garcia said in a statement to the Miami Herald. "His spirit will live forever, in our hearts and through the legacy of his achievements and the family he leaves behind.”

"Sean was known to many as an extraordinary athlete and unquestionable teammate,' added Garcia, a father of four. "To those of us who had the good fortune to count him as a member of our extended family, we will always remember him as a caring and loving individual."

On the night of the incident Taylor reportedly told Jackie Garcia to hide in the bedroom with their daughter, also named Jackie, while he went to investigate. He was shot in the leg and died of his injuries the next day. Four young suspects have been charged in the killing.

Jackie Garcia Profile

	Hometown: Miami, Fla.
	High School: Gulliver Prep
	Height: 5-6

	Position: Midfield
	Major: Liberal Arts

Left team before start of the 2005 season.
2004: Started three-of-10 matches played...missed the last five games of the season after suffering a season-ending knee injury against FIU (10/13/04)...recorded five shots with one on goal.
2003: Started four of 16 matches played...scored lone goal of the season against Notre Dame (11/2/03)...recorded an assists on a goal by teammate, Lindsey Yach, against Loyola (8/31/03)...10 of her 12 shots were on goal for a .833 on goal percentage.
2002: Started one-of-10 matches played...took a total of nine shots.
Olympic Development Program: Part of the ODP state pool in 2000 and 2001.
High School: Midfielder out of Gulliver Prep High School...was a five-year letterwinner and named best offensive player all five year's...led her team to a regional championship in 1999 and 2001 and were also state finalists those year's...was named All-Dade all four year's of her high school career...named to the all-state team and the 1A-4A Player of the Year her senior year. Club: Played for Team Boca Storm (U-18)...was a two-time state runner-up...state champions in 2000...Region III runner-up in 2000...Orange Bowl semifinalist and WAGS semifinalist. Personal: Majoring in liberal arts.

Andy Garcia -- Taylor Saved My Niece!

Andy Garcia is hailing NFL star Sean Taylor as a "hero" who lost his life trying to protect Andy's niece Jackie, who was Taylor's girlfriend and the mother of their baby. Yes-- that Andy Garcia.

Garcia tells the Miami Herald that Taylor's "heroic action" saved Jackie and daughter, also named Jackie, and called the incident "a testament to his humanity and courage." Taylor was shot when he grabbed a machete to confront an intruder, while Jackie Garcia reportedly hid in the bedroom with the 18-month-old baby. Until now, Andy and his family had not given any public comment on the killing.

"We will always remember him as a caring and loving individual, especially to his new family," says Andy. The couple met at Gulliver Prep School in Miami-Dade county.

Jackie Garcia, Girl Friend of the Late Sean Taylor

There isn't much to say about Jackie Garcia. Who is this young woman anyways? She is the girlfriend of the late Sean Taylor. Sean Taylor lost his life this morning due to complications of a gunshot wound.

She wasn't just his girlfriend; she was the mother of their 18 month old daughter. Jackie Garcia was there at their Florida home with their daughter who hid underneath the blankets to keep safe. God was in her and her daughter's corner, they were lucky to have survived but Sean wasn't so lucky.

This young single mother was his high school sweetheart. The tragedy that took Sean Taylor's life was an unnecessary crime. Sean Taylor saved his family by the best way he knew how. He was protecting his home and family from unwanted intruders.

The intruders took a valuable asset from football. Sean Taylor was an excellent ball player. He will never be forgotten. Football will never be the same without him.

Neither I nor society can imagine the horror Jackie Garcia went through that day. Our nation can never begin to understand why this happened. Or why his daughter and high school sweetheart survived and he didn't. It is cruel and unfair.

Jackie Garcia's history is unknown. It is possible she was or is a soccer player for a women's team. But the sources to prove a fact are unknown at this time. She now has to live with the fact that her and her daughter survived a horrendous crime that took the life of her baby's father. The call to 911 was learned to be called by Jackie Garcia. She made the call to the authorities who couldn't save his life.

Jackie Garcia and his family now have to pick up the pieces and to solve this crime. It may never be solved but the families of Sean Taylor will never forget him or the tragedy that took his life. Jackie Garcia will never forget the day her high school sweetheart lost his life protecting her and their daughter.Jackie Garcia is a mystery but her privacy should be protected. Not just for her sake but for her daughters as well as Sean Taylor's memory and his family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with him and the family. He truly was a gift to football. His memory will forever be remembered. Please keep him and the family in your prayers.