Washington State Quarterback Found Dead Due To Self Injury
Jan 17, 2018, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:23 am
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski, 21, has been found deceased in his apartment due to “an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.”
Pullman police released a statement on Tuesday night confirming Hilinski’s death. The police are also doing a suicide investigation on Hilinski’s case because a suicide note was found on the scene.
Pullman PD has confirmed Tyler Hilinski's demise. pic.twitter.com/c83GNV74ZY
— Stefanie Loh (@StefanieLoh) January 17, 2018
Hilinski served as the backup QB to senior quarterback Luke Falk and was going to be the Cougar’s starting quarterback during the 2018 season.
Cougars coach Mike Leach said in a statement:
“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.”
Sports Illustrated‘s Bruce Feldman said those who knew Hilinski were shocked by the news and that he was “one of the most outgoing kids on the team who was always smiling.”
The Washington State University community came together to set up a memorial for Hilinski surrounding their mascot statue outside of the Martin Stadium.
Following Hilinski’s death being investigated as a suicide, The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a toll-free number, 1-800-273-TALK(8255), available to connect callers to a certified crisis center near where the call is placed.