Broken heart, busted wallet: Slain football player's mom faces bankruptcy

While the economic downturn has offered plenty of sad stories, Donna Junor's tale is particularly painful. It begins with the death of her son, Sean Taylor.

In 2007, Taylor was still in the early stages of what promised to be a long and glorious football career. A first-round pick in the 2004 draft, he signed a seven-year $18 million contract with the Washington Redskins, and became the team's starting free safety after the third game of the season. He quickly gained a reputation as an outstanding athlete, and in 2006 was named to the 2007 Pro Bowl. For Donna Junor, these were good times, as her son was quick to share his good fortune, giving large checks and bags of money to family members.