The 21-year-old quarterback was found dead in apparent suicide in an apartment after he did not show up for practice earlier on Tuesday.
- Jan 17, 2018
AceShowbiz - Football nation is rocked with devastating news. Washington State University quarterback Tyler Hilinski was found dead in an apparent suicide at an apartment at 1620 Northeast Northwood Drive on Tuesday, January 16. He was 21 years old.
Police had been called to do a welfare check at his apartment after he failed to show up at football practice earlier in the day. Pullman police say officers found Tyler with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A rifle and a suicide note were found next to his body.
WSU Football Coach Mike Leach has released a statement in the wake of Tyler's shocking death. "We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Tyler's passing. He was an incredible young man and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him was better for it. The entire WSU community mourns as thoughts and prayers go out to his family," read the statement.
WSU Interim Director of Athletics John Johnson said in a statement posted on Twitter, "The tragic news today surrounding Tyler Hilinski is devastating to all. Tyler was a tremendous individual, great friend and teammate, and he will be deeply missed. Our hearts go out to his family and friends."
"Earlier tonight, the football team was brought together and informed of the tragedy. There, they were met by campus and department counseling and psychological services, including athletics' on-staff clinical psychologist and a licensed mental health counselor, along with WSI Athletics medical team," the statement continued. "The university will continue to coordinate and provide ongoing counseling care for all student-athletes as long as needed."
#RIP3 pic.twitter.com/fIrELLM0se
— WSU Cougars (@WSUCougars) January 17, 2018
Meanwhile, Washington State president Kirk Schulz tweeted, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hilinski family."
Tyler recently finished his redshirt sophomore season for the Cougars. He started in place of senior Luke Falk in the Cougars loss to Michigan State in the Holiday Bowl. The quarterback from Claremont, California was set to become the team's official starter in the 2018-19 season.
