Washington State QB Tyler Hilinski Found Dead From Apparent Suicide

Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski, 21, has died in an apparent suicide.

According to the Pullman Police Department, 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. A police spokesman said officers found Hilinski dead at his apartment north of the Washington State University campus at 4:30 PM on Tuesday, January 16.

Hilinski, the Cougars backup quarterback, was found by his teammates. Reportedly, a rifle and a suicide note was found next to his body. However, the motive for the apparent suicide is not known at this time.

via LA Times:

Upland Coach Tim Salter said he was told that when Hilinski failed to show for an afternoon practice, teammates went to the apartment and found him dead.

“I’m having a hard time to understand it all,” he said. “I feel so bad for the family.”

Hilinski was a redshirt sophomore at Washington State. He made his first collegiate start in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 28 against Michigan State, a 42-17 defeat.

He was part of a well-known Southern California family that produced three outstanding quarterbacks. Older brother Kelly starred at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, where Tyler played his first two seasons. Youngest brother Ryan is a junior at Orange Lutheran and considered one of the top prospects in California.

Tyler’s brother Ryan took to Twitter to ask for prayers for his family:

Police detectives and the county coroner’s office are conducting an investigation to confirm the suspected cause and manner of death.

Friends and former teammates of Hilinski took to Twitter to show support for the late football player, brother, son, and friend:

Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the Hilinski family. If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a suicide prevention network of 161 crisis centers that provides a 24/7, toll-free hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.