Merlin Olsen dies

Merlin Olsen, a great defensive tackle with the LA Rams many years ago, and of course Jonathan Garvey on one of the most indelible and popular shows in TV history - "Little House on the Prairie" -- has died.

No word on cause but he was in the process of suing his former network, NBC, for asbestos poisoning.

  Here are more details from Bloomberg.com:

Olsen played with the Rams from 1962 through 1976 and was selected to 14 consecutive Pro Bowls, a tie with Bruce Matthews for the longest streak in league history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982. "

Here are two quick clips. More details to come ... 

PHOTOS: Recent notable deaths