Washington State Cougars redshirt sophomore quarterback Tyler Hilinski was found dead on Tuesday after committing suicide, Pullman Police said in a statement.
Hilinksi did not show up at practice on Tuesday, which prompted a welfare check on the quarterback by police officers. When they arrived at his apartment, they found the quarterback dead of a gunshot wound to the head. Police recovered a shotgun and suicide note from the scene.
Pullman PD has confirmed Tyler Hilinski's demise. pic.twitter.com/c83GNV74ZY
— Stefanie Loh (@StefanieLoh) January 17, 2018
Hilinski was a record-breaking passer at Upland High School before attending Washington State. He saw action in 11 games during his career, going 154 of 209 for 1,421 yards, nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. The team’s starter in the Holiday Bowl last month, Hilinski was in line to be the Cougars’ starting quarterback in the fall.
Hilinski’s brother Kelly played quarterback at Columbia, while brother Ryan is a high school QB in Orange County, Calif.
Ryan sent the following tweet about the matter:
Please keep my family in your prayers tonight.
— Big Bo (@ryan_hilinski) January 17, 2018
One of Hilinksi’s high school teammates, UCLA LB Josh Woods, sent the following tweet:
I feel so sick right now and wish I would have stayed closer to you after high school. RIP Tyler Hilinski. Love you bro pic.twitter.com/JjupcGgwAG
— Josh Woods (@_WOODSY_J) January 17, 2018
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Tyler’s passing. He was an incredible young man & everyone who had the privilege of knowing him was better for it. The entire WSU community mourns as thoughts & prayers go out to his family,” coach Mike Leach said in a statement.
Hilinski was 21.
