CNN
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The search continues for former NFL player Sergio Brown after his mother was found dead from assault injuries near a creek behind her suburban Chicago home, according to the Maywood Police Department .
The body of Myrtle Brown, 73, was discovered Saturday after relatives alerted authorities that they had not been able to find or contact her son, the department said in a news release.
His death was ruled a homicide, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. It is unclear what led to his death and authorities have not provided any information on a possible suspect in the case.
As the investigation continues, the grieving family has asked for help in locating Sergio Brown.
“My brother Sergio is still missing,” Nick Brown wrote on Instagram. “If anyone knows where he is, I want them to know I love you and come home.”
Sergio Brown, 35, played for Notre Dame before signing with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played seven seasons in the NFL as a member of the Patriots, Colts of Indianapolis, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Buffalo Bills.
Here’s what we know about the death investigation and search for Sergio Brown:
Police found Myrtle Brown’s body near a creek behind her home Saturday, according to the department.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office determined she died of assault-related injuries, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide, according to spokeswoman Natalia Derevyanny.
The coroner’s office did not share details about the nature of the mother’s injuries.
Mother and son were reported missing on Saturday
Family members of Sergio Brown and his mother told police Saturday that they had not been able to find or contact them, according to Maywood police.
“Maywood police initiated a missing person report and began attempting to locate the two individuals,” police said in a news release.
Relatives were also looking for Myrtle, neighbor Carlos Cortez told WBBM.
“Her family came knocking and were looking for her because they had filed a police report because she had been missing for 72 hours. So we tried to help them as much as possible,” Cortez said.
Cortez, who said he provided police with his Ring doorbell footage, said he last saw the Browns on Thursday, WBBM reported.
Sergio Brown’s brother took to Instagram on Sunday to ask for help finding him while thanking community members for their condolences.
“If you have any information on Sergio’s whereabouts, please send it to the Maywood Police Department,” Nick Brown said.
Nick Brown asked people to avoid going near the family property while the investigation continues.
The Maywood residential street — about 11 miles from the heart of Chicago — could be seen in video cordoned off with police tape as officers responded, video from CNN affiliate WBBM.
“People please do not approach the property, this is still an ongoing investigation by the Maywood Police Department,” he wrote.
Neighbors described Myrtle as a well-dressed, outgoing person who loved to go dancing.
“Just a lovely lady. Very sweet, extroverted. Always on the go,” neighbor Kevin Grayer told CNN affiliate WLS. “Just a happy person.” His personality was just wonderful.
“She didn’t deserve this. She was too good a person to die like that. It’s just sad,” Grayer said.
Her son, Nick Brown, said his last conversation with his mother gave him hope.
“This is a sad but hopeful time, and we will all get through this together. Mom always told me, ‘Tough times don’t last,’ and our last conversation about tough times being temporary is my beacon of hope,” he said.
“Mom, thank you for being strong, caring, diligent, whimsical, funny and for saving my art. I won’t let you down.
Cnn