According to Stephanie Loh of the Seattle Times, police in Pullman, Wa. found Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski dead in his apartment on Tuesday. Hilinski was only 21.
The cause of death is reportedly a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with a suicide note being found at the scene.
On Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at about 4:30 pm, Pullman officers responded to apartments located at 1620 NE Northwood Dr., Aspen Village Apartments, to check on the welfare of a Washington State University (WSU) football player who did not show up for practice earlier in the day. Officers arrived and found Tyler Hilinski, 21 years old, deceased in the apartment with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A rifle was recovered next to Hilinski and a suicide note was found. Hilinski is listed as a redshirt sophomore quarterback on the WSU football team. Pullman Police detectives and the Whitman County Coroner's Office are conducting a through investigation to confirm the suspected cause and manner of death.
Hilinski, a former three-star recruit, was the primary backup to Luke Falk this season at Washington State. Hilinski played in seven games total this season, throwing for nearly 1,000 yards and five touchdowns. He was in the running to start next season as Falk is set to graduate.
We send our thoughts and prayers to Hilinski's family, friends, and teammates at this time.