New York – Neuroscientist Chris Nowinski, a leading expert on brain injuries, has been linked to a recent shooting in Manhattan where gunman Shane Tamura killed four people and himself. Tamura, a 27-year-old former high school football player, left a three-page letter found on his person claiming to suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and requesting his brain be studied by the NFL. Nowinski's name was explicitly mentioned in this note, drawing him into the aftermath of the tragic event.
The shooting occurred in a high-rise building housing NFL headquarters, with New York Mayor Eric Adams stating that Tamura was targeting the league. Tamura, who died by suicide, allegedly blamed the NFL for concealing the dangers of brain injuries, according to the note. The incident has reignited discussions surrounding the long-term effects of head trauma in contact sports and its potential role in behavioral changes.
Nowinski, a former Harvard football player and WWE wrestler, co-founded the Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF) after his own career-ending post-concussion symptoms. The CLF is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by concussions and CTE, promoting safer sports, and advancing research into the degenerative brain disease. Nowinski's work has significantly contributed to public awareness and scientific understanding of CTE.
CTE is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head impacts, and it can only be definitively diagnosed posthumously through brain examination. The New York City Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed that Tamura's brain will be studied for signs of CTE, a process that can take weeks to months. This examination is crucial for understanding any potential neurological factors in the gunman's actions.
Nowinski expressed a sense of familiarity with the situation, stating, "Yes, when I learned about the shooting and the CTE claim, I did think about Chris Benoit, Phillip Adams, Aaron Hernandez, and other cases that people aren’t aware of that involved homicide and often suicide." He emphasized that while CTE can lead to cognitive and behavioral issues, a diagnosis does not automatically explain violent acts, as mental health issues stem from various factors. The CLF continues to advocate for brain donation to further research into the complex relationship between head trauma and long-term neurological conditions.