Washington State Cougars quarterback Tyler Hilinski was found dead in his apartment in Pullman, Wash. Tuesday, Jan. 16, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to police.
The police responded to the apartment to conduct a wellness check around 4:30 p.m. after Hilinski did not show up for practice. They found Hilinski, 21, dead in the apartment with a rifle and a suicide note next to him.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Tyler’s passing,” said Cougars head coach Mike Leach in a statement. “He was an incredible young man and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him was better for it.”
Hilinski played in eight games last season as a redshirt sophomore, completing 130 of 179 passes for 1,176 yards and seven touchdowns. Hilinski also started Washington State’s bowl game, the Holiday Bowl, against Michigan State, after normal starter Luke Falk injured his non-throwing wrist. Hilinski went 39 of 50 for 272 yards and two touchdowns.
“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,” said interim athletic director John Johnson in a statement last Tuesday.
“Earlier tonight, the football team was brought together and informed of the tragedy,” Johnson said. “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.”
Tyler Hilinski’s younger brother, Ryan, who is a Division I quarterback prospect in the Class of 2019, also issued a statement.
“We as a family, are grieving after receiving news that my brother, Tyler Hilinski took his own life this afternoon,” Ryan said. “We are in complete shock and disarray. Tyler was the kid that put a smile on everybody’s face when they were down, especially his family. We will mourn the loss of Tyler for some time but celebrate the way he lived his life every day.”
Hilinski’s best performance of the season was against Boise State, where he came off the bench to replace Falk after an injury. Hilinski then rallied the team to a 47-44 triple overtime win.
Hilinski’s performances this season had him as the clear front-runner for the starting job in 2018 with Falk being a redshirt senior and moving on after this season.
Paul Helmers
Sports Editor