The list of major celebrities who have died in recent days is staggering.  Ed McMahon.  Farrah Fawcett.  Michael Jackson.  Billy Mays. Karl Malden. Steve McNair.

Ironically, however, Abe Vigoda — who was famously erroneously declared dead by People magazine way back in 1982 — is still alive and kicking at 88.

The Nashville Tennessean’s story about the apparent murder-suicide involving 36-year-old NFL legend Steve McNair and 20-year-old waitress Sahel Kazemi repeatedly uses variations of “dating” to describe their relationship.   Somehow, that doesn’t seem like the right word choice.

Steve McNair is dead:

Former NFL MVP Steve McNair has been shot and killed. Titans owner Bud Adams confirmed the quarterback’s death in a brief statement released Saturday.

Adams called him “one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl.”

McNair led the Titans within a yard of forcing overtime in the 2000 Super Bowl.

Truly sad news.   The man was only 36 years old and retired from football a little over a year ago.

He had a DUI and a gun charge but was not a member of the thug culture that so many professional athletes seem to hang onto despite their success.  Preliminary reports have it as a double homicide.  A woman, not his wife, was also killed.