The college football world is in a state of mourning on Tuesday night, as a report out of Washington indicates that Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski was found dead after a gunshot wound to the head. He was 21 years old.
A statement by the police in Pullman said the wound appeared to be self-inflicted, and there was a note next to Hilinski’s body. Additionally, the authorities indicated that Hilinski did not show up to practice on Tuesday, which led to them checking on him in his apartment, where his body was found.
Statement from Pullman PD on the death of Tyler Hilinski pic.twitter.com/zdBws2h0iP
— Tim Booth (@ByTimBooth) January 17, 2018
As the statement says, Hilinski was a redshirt sophomore for the Cougars. A former three-star recruit, Hilinski committed to and eventually enrolled at Washington State in 2015 over offers from California, Pennsylvania, and Utah State, according to 247Sports. He looked to be next in line under center for the program following the departure of incumbent starter Luke Falk, partly due to the fact that head coach Mike Leach gave him plenty of opportunities to take the field during his time with the program.
Hilinski appeared in eight games this season, including a start in the team’s bowl game against Michigan State, and completed 72.6 percent of his pass attempts. He threw for 1,176 yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Additionally, he appeared in four games in the Cougars’ 2016 campaign.
