Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski died in an apparent suicide, but police said they can’t figure out a motive on Wednesday
Police interviewed friends of Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski on Wednesday to try to better understand why he killed himself.
There appeared to be no motive in the 21-year-old athlete’s death, found dead in his Pullman, Washington, apartment on Tuesday along with a rifle and note.
‘The missing piece here is why,’ Police Chief Gary Jenkins told Q13 Fox.
‘Most of our investigation will be conducting interviews.’
Hilinski’s family issued a statement from California stating they were in ‘complete shock and disarray.’
‘Tyler was the kid that put a smile on everybody’s face when they were down, especially his family,’ the statement said.
‘We will mourn the loss of Tyler for some time but celebrate the way he lived his life every day.’
Many shared on social media their thoughts and prayers for the quarterback.
‘The missing piece here is why,’ Police Chief Gary Jenkins said of the suicide, which happened on Tuesday
Hilinski’s family issued a statement from California stating they were in ‘complete shock and disarray’
Former Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf tweeted that he had been crying nonstop upon hearing the news.
‘Every human life is precious,’ Leaf said, going on to add about the quarterback: ‘I’m just like you & I’ve been here & there is hope.’
A memorial was made next to the school’s cougar mascot statue at the football stadium. It consisted of flowers and balloons.
A memorial was made next to the school’s cougar mascot statue at the football stadium
It consisted of flowers and balloons and signs that said ‘We love you Tyler’
Hilinski, 21, 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.
His former high school coach Tim Salter told the Los Angeles Times that his body was found by his teammates, who were concerned when he did not show up for training.
Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski died in an apparent suicide
Hilinski, 21, did not show up for practice and was later found in his apartment with a gunshot wound to the head, Pullman Police Department said
Tyler’s heartbroken brother Ryan posted a tweet shortly after the death was announced
A rifle was found next to his body alongside a suicide note, cops said. The motive for the apparent suicide is not known.
A police spokesman said officers found Hilinski dead at his apartment north of the Washington State University campus at 4.30pm on Tuesday.
Hilinski’s heartbroken brother Ryan – himself a high school quarterback in California with a Washington State offer – posted a tweet shortly after the death was announced, saying: ‘Please keep my family in your prayers tonight.’
The promising football player made his first appearance for the college last year and was set to be their starting quarterback next season.
Hilinski, the Cougars backup quarterback, made his first appearance against Arizona in October, taking to the field late in the first half and finishing 45 of 61 for 509 yards.
He was the starting quarterback for the Cougars in the Holiday Bowl on December 28, 2017.
Michigan State won the bowl game 42-17 as Hilinski threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.
Another highlight of his career was in a 2017 home game against Boise State, when the backup was called into action midway through the third quarter to help the Cougars come back form being 31-10 down to win 47-44 in triple overtime at Martin Stadium.
‘Hilinski, who was 25-of-33 for 240 yards, with three touchdowns and an interception in the game, was mobbed by WSU fans who rushed the field and lifted the redshirt sophomore into the air and carried him off the field,’ Spokesman.com reported.
UCLA player Josh Woods, who played with Hilinski at Upland High School in California, said: ‘I feel so sick right now and wish I would have stayed closer to you after high school. RIP Tyler Hilinski. Love you bro.’
‘We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Tyler’s passing,’ Washington State coach Mike Leach said in a statement.
The promising football player made his first appearance for the college last month and was set to be their starting quarterback next season. He is pictured in his high school years
A police spokesman said officers found Hilinski dead at his apartment north of the Washington State University campus at 4.30pm on Tuesday
‘He was an incredible young man and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him was better for it. The entire WSU community mourns as thoughts and prayers go out to his family.’
‘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,’ interim athletic director John Johnson said of the man known to teammates as ‘Clink’ or ‘Good Ol’ Clinsky.’
‘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 long as needed.’
For confidential support call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255.