WSU Quarterback Tyler Hilinski Found Dead

PULLMAN, WA - Washington State University quarterback Tyler Hilinksi was found dead of an apparent suicide Wednesday afternoon at his Pullman apartment, according to police. Hilinksi, 21, originally from Claremont, Calif., was set to take over the starting quarterback role for WSU next season.

According to Pullman police, officers went to his apartment around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday after he failed to show up for football practice. Police said they found Hilinksi dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and that he left a note nearby.

Cougars Head Football Coach Mike Leach called Hilinski's death tragic and devastating.

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.

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 along as needed.

Hilinski, a sophomore, made his starting debut in the 2017 season against Michigan State University in the Holiday Bowl. But Hilinski's biggest game of the season was against Boise State. He subbed for starter Luke Falk and brought the Cougars back to win in triple overtime.

Condolences for Hilinski - who was known by the nickname "Klink" - came in from WSU and far beyond.

"I’m speechless, was just with you 3 days ago man. Amazing person, friend, and teammate. Gone way too soon brother. May you Rest In Peace," Denver Broncos wide receiver River Cracraft wrote on Twitter.

"Just know that when you are alone, in the deafening silence of your mind... You are loved. You are cared for and you are not alone," former Cougars defensive end Lyman Faoliu wrote.

Faoliu also added the number for the National Suicide Prevention hotline, a free and anonymous 24-7 resource: 1-800-273-8255.

CAPTION: Washington State defensive back Kirkland Parker (10), quarterback Tyler Hilinski (3) and wide receiver CJ Dimry (88) pose for a photograph after an NCAA college football game against Boise State in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017.

Photo by Young Kwak/Associated Press