On July 4, 2009, McNair was found dead of multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head, along with a female victim, 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi, who was found dead of a single gunshot wound to the head, in a condominium in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron confirmed that police were called to a residence and found McNair and Kazemi shot to death inside.[19] Two days before their deaths, Kazemi was pulled over in a 2007 black Cadillac Escalade in Nashville with McNair in the passenger seat. The vehicle was registered to both McNair and Kazemi. She was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. McNair was not arrested and instead allowed to leave in a taxi.

Titans owner Bud Adams released a statement regarding McNair:
“ We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's [death] today. He was 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they deal with his untimely passing. ”

In a statement to the AP, Ozzie Newsome, executive vice president and general manager of the Baltimore Ravens, stated:
“ This is so, so sad. We immediately think of his family, his boys. They are all in our thoughts and prayers. What we admired most about Steve when we played against him was his competitive spirit, and we were lucky enough to have that with us for two years. He is one of the best players in the NFL over the last 20 years...

looks like he was murdered