Homicide detectives are actively investigating the tragic death of Myrtle Brown, ex-NFL player Sergio Brown's mother, following a report of both individuals missing from a Chicago suburb, according to NBC News.

The distressing incident unfolded when Myrtle Brown, aged 73, was discovered unresponsive near a creek behind her residence in Maywood, Illinois, during a search for her and her son, Sergio Brown, aged 35, who previously played for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL.

In an email on Sunday night, the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Myrtle Brown's passing resulted from "multiple injuries due to assault" and classified her death as a homicide.

Concerned family members had reported the disappearance of both Myrtle and Sergio Brown earlier on Saturday to the Maywood police.

Consequently, law enforcement initiated a search operation. However, it was during a subsequent sweep that Myrtle Brown was located.

The statement from Maywood police characterized the ongoing investigation as a homicide case but did not provide specific details regarding the factors leading to this determination.

It emphasized the efforts to locate Sergio Brown.

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Sergio Brown and Myrtle Brown

Sergio Brown had a notable football career, playing for Notre Dame before joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2010, per CNN.

He played in the league for seven seasons, representing teams like the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Buffalo Bills.

Nick Brown, Myrtle Brown's son and Sergio's brother, shared heartfelt sentiments about his mother on Facebook, describing her as a "strong, caring, diligent, fancy, funny" woman, per Chicago Tribune.

He recalled her uplifting words about tough times being temporary. He appealed for information about Sergio's whereabouts, expressing love and concern for his brother.

Sergio Brown and Myrtle Brown Went Missing

A distressing situation unfolded on September 16 as Sergio Brown and his mother, Myrtle Simmons-Brown, were reported missing, The US Sun reports.

Concerned family members had alerted the authorities when they could not contact the two individuals.

A search operation was promptly initiated by the police, leading to the unfortunate discovery of Myrtle's lifeless body in a creek near her residence in the suburban area of Maywood, Illinois.

Myrtle's sister, Sheila Simmons, recounted her experience upon receiving the distressing news. After learning of her disappearance, she went to Myrtle's home and sensed something was awry.

Sheila Simmons expressed her deep concern, emphasizing that it was unusual for her sister not to respond to calls or messages, especially given that people had been trying to reach her since the previous Friday.

Sergio Brown's whereabouts remain unknown, and a search is ongoing to locate the former athlete.

Law enforcement authorities actively seek information from the public regarding Sergio's possible whereabouts.

If you have any information that may assist in locating Sergio Brown, please do not hesitate to contact the Maywood Police Department at 708-368-4131 or utilize the anonymous tip line at 708-450-1787.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Search for former NFL player continues after mother found dead - From CBS Chicago