50 is too young to die... but shockingly, we have learned this morning that Dave Duerson, a Bears safety for seven seasons and a key member of the 1985 Super Bowl champions, was found dead this morning in his Miami home.

Duerson's family asks that he be remembered warmly.

"Our family asks that you please remember Dave as a good, kind, and caring man," Alicia Duerson, Dave's ex-wife told NBCChicago. "He loved and cherished his family and friends and was extremely proud of his beloved Notre Dame and [the] Chicago Bears. Please keep Dave and our family in your prayers."

The Bears also issued a statement:

“We are stunned and saddened to hear the tragic news regarding Dave Duerson. He was a great contributor to our team and the Chicago community. Today is a difficult day for all of us who loved Dave. We’ll miss him. Our prayers are with his family.”

Duerson became a starter in 1985 and intercepted five passes that year; the next season was his best as a Bear, with six interceptions and seven sacks. He wound up on the 1990 New York Giants and got a second Super Bowl ring and finished his career with three seasons on the then-Phoenix Cardinals. He's had some hard times since his playing career ended and wound up living in South Florida. Our condolences to Duerson's family and friends.