Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski, 21, found dead with a gunshot wound to the head in an apparent suicide rifle and note found near body
Washington State Univ. quarterback Tyler Hilinski, is found dead with a gunshot wound to the head in an apparent suicide
Tyler, 21, died in an apparent suicide
Hilinski, did not show up for practice, Tuesday and was later found in his apartment
He had a gunshot wound to the head and a rifle was found next to his body along with a suicide note
Washington State University quarterback Tyler Hilinski [photo], was found dead in an apparent suicide, on Tuesday
An elite college athlete Tyler Hilinski has died in an apparent suicide.
Hilinski, did not show up for practice and was later found in his apartment with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, Pullman Police Department said.
In a statement police announced that ‘Tyler Hilinski, the Washington State quarterback, was found dead on Jan. 16, 2018 with an “apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head,” police said.
When a welfare check was made on the 21-year-old redshirt sophomore, they found his body, a rifle and a suicide note in his apartment.
Hilinski’s family members and teammates posted tributes to the late athlete upon learning the news.
Hilinski’s younger brother Ryan, himself a high school quarterback in California with a Washington State offer,- posted a tweet shortly after the death was announced, saying:”Please keep my family in your prayers tonight.”
His former high school coach Tim Salter told the Los Angeles Times that his body was found by his teammates, who were concerned when he did not show up for training.
Hilinski, did not show up for practice and was later found in his apartment with a gunshot wound to the head.
A police spokesman said officers found Hilinski dead at his apartment north of the Washington State University campus at 4.30pm on Tuesday.
WSU coach Mike Leach said : ‘He was an incredible young man and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him was better for it.’
Team-mate Skyler Thomas: Ty, you were a great teammate, friend, brother, anything we needed you to be. You brought smiles to the people around you.
Team-mate Jamire Calvin: ‘This one hurt, man. Love you Ty dawg. Wish you were still here with us.’
Hilinski was just at the beginning of his college ball career. The promising athlete made his first appearance for the college last year and was set to be their starting quarterback next season.
Hilinski, the Cougars backup quarterback, made his first appearance against Arizona in October, taking to the field late in the first half and finishing 45 of 61 for 509 yards.
He was the starting quarterback for the Cougars in the Holiday Bowl on December 28, 2017.
He showed his potential in a 2017 home game against Boise State, when the backup was called into action midway through the third quarter to help the Cougars come back from being 31-10 down to win 47-44 in triple overtime at Martin Stadium.
‘Hilinski, who was 25-of-33 for 240 yards, with three touchdowns and an interception in the game, was mobbed by WSU fans who rushed the field and lifted the redshirt sophomore into the air and carried him off the field,’ Spokesman.com reported.
Josh Woods [left], and Tyler Hilinski in their high school days at Upland High School in California,
UCLA player Josh Woods, who played with Hilinski at Upland High School in California, said: ‘I feel so sick right now and wish I would have stayed closer to you after high school. RIP Tyler Hilinski. Love you bro.’
‘We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Tyler’s passing,’ Washington State coach Mike Leach said in a statement: “[Hilinski], 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.”
Washington State QB Tyler Hilinski, {High school photo], is dead in apparent suicide. The promising football player made his first appearance for the college last month and was set to be their starting quarterback next season. A police spokesman said officers found Hilinski dead at his apartment north of the Washington State University campus at 4.30pm on Tuesday
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‘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,’ interim athletic director John Johnson said of the man known to teammates as ‘Clink’ or ‘Good Ol’ Clinsky.’
‘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 WSU Athletics medical team. The university will continue to coordinate and provide ongoing counseling care for all student-athletes as long as needed.’
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