NY Gunman with CTE Recalls Concussions from Star High School Running Back

Shane Tamura: From Football Star to Tragedy

A decade before the tragic events that led to the deaths of four individuals in a Manhattan office building, Shane Tamura was a celebrated high school football star. His coach once described him as “lightning in a bottle,” highlighting his exceptional talent and potential. However, investigators are now examining claims in Tamura’s suicide note that suggest a connection between his football career and the deadly attack.

Tamura's story is one of both promise and mystery. While there is no clear evidence that he was ever tested for brain injuries related to his football career, some former teammates recall instances where he may have suffered concussions. One such teammate, Dalone Neal, stated that he knew for a fact that Tamura had sustained concussions and missed games or practices as a result. Despite this, Tamura was known for his fearless approach to the game, often playing through pain and showing great determination.

The 27-year-old Tamura walked into an office building in Manhattan carrying an assault rifle and a suicide note that allegedly linked his actions to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease associated with head trauma. After killing four people, including an off-duty New York police officer, Tamura took his own life. The note, found by investigators after the shooting, contained references to Terry Long, a former NFL player who died by suicide after drinking antifreeze and was later diagnosed with CTE.

The note also expressed grievances with the NFL and requested that his brain be studied. While the motives behind the attack remain under investigation, it is known that Tamura had a documented mental health history. The short note was scribbled over three pages and detailed his feelings toward the NFL.

Tamura spent his high school years in the Los Angeles area, where he played several seasons as a running back for Golden Valley High School in Santa Clarita. His athletic achievements were well-documented, with a 2013 article describing him as the Golden Valley Grizzlies junior varsity team’s “biggest weapon” on offense. His coach, Dan Kelley, praised his talent and potential, calling him “lightning in a bottle.”

Neal, another former teammate, recalled that Tamura had sustained “a few concussions” during his time at Golden Valley. He remembered the team meeting announcements about Tamura’s absences due to concussions, though he never directly discussed the injuries with Tamura. Despite this, Neal described Tamura as “magnificent on the field” and an “outstanding guy.”

Another former teammate, who chose to remain anonymous, confirmed that concussions were not uncommon among football players at the time. He was “sure” that Tamura missed a game or two because of a concussion. Tamura was known for his energy and humor, always having something funny to say and being straightforward.

Tamura’s older brother, Terry, also played football, and when asked about his brother’s skills in 2014, he said, “We’re similar… He’s a little quicker though and probably more elusive, too.” Tamura transferred to Granada Hills Charter School in 2015 for his senior year, where he played for the Highlanders football team. Walter Roby, his coach, described Tamura as “by far my best running back at the time,” noting his warm, hard-working nature.

Despite his success on the field, it is unclear whether Tamura continued playing football after high school or if he was ever diagnosed with any brain injuries connected to his athletic career. CTE is typically only confirmed after death, making it difficult to determine the extent of any potential injuries.

Tamura’s case echoes previous high-profile CTE cases, such as that of Dave Duerson, who also shot himself and left a note requesting his brain be studied. The NFL has acknowledged a link between football and brain disorders like CTE and has made changes to reduce unnecessary contact to the head and neck areas during practice and games.

In addition to his football career, Tamura had a complex personal life. He was put on a psychiatric hold in 2022 and 2024, according to law enforcement officials. In 2022, a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officer encountered Tamura on the street and observed behavior that suggested he might be a threat to himself. He was taken to a hospital for a psychiatric hold.

Tamura worked as a “surveillance department employee” at Horseshoe Las Vegas and held private investigator licenses in California and Nevada, which later expired. Court records show he was charged with misdemeanor trespassing in 2023 in Clark County, Nevada, after refusing to leave a casino. The case was eventually dropped.

On the day of the shooting, Tamura drove his BMW across the country from Las Vegas to Manhattan. He parked it in front of the Park Avenue office building before entering with an assault rifle. He killed an off-duty NYPD officer and several others before taking his own life. The NFL’s headquarters are located on the fifth floor of the building, but Tamura mistakenly took the wrong elevator bank, according to Mayor Eric Adams.