Hundreds attend quarterback Tyler Hilinski’s funeral

Hundreds of mourners have said farewell to Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski weeks after he took his own life. 

The 21-year-old football star was found dead in his Pullman, Washington apartment on January 16 along with a rifle and note.

His family issued a statement at the time of his death explaining they were in ‘complete shock and disarray.’

On Saturday, they were joined by around 800 people – including members of the Cougars team – at Damien High School gym in La Verne, California, as Tyler was praised by everyone that knew him.

On Saturday, Tyler’s family were joined by around 800 people – including members of the Cougars team – at Damien High School gym as he was praised by everyone that knew him

His family issued a statement at the time of his death explaining they were in 'complete shock and disarray.' Pictured: The ceremony today at Damien High School 

His family issued a statement at the time of his death explaining they were in ‘complete shock and disarray.’ Pictured: The ceremony today at Damien High School 

Friends of Tyler Hilinski console each other at his funeral in a packed gymnasium at Damien High School in La Verne, California, after the star's surprise death 

Friends of Tyler Hilinski console each other at his funeral in a packed gymnasium at Damien High School in La Verne, California, after the star’s surprise death 

The 21-year-old football star was found dead in his Pullman, Washington apartment on January 16 along with a rifle and note. Pictured: Washington and Washington State players and coaches join the crowd in a moment of silence for Tyler on Sunday before an NCAA college basketball game in Seattle

The 21-year-old football star was found dead in his Pullman, Washington apartment on January 16 along with a rifle and note. Pictured: Washington and Washington State players and coaches join the crowd in a moment of silence for Tyler on Sunday before an NCAA college basketball game in Seattle

His brother, Ryan, said: ‘Let it be known that it was an honor to be his younger brother.’ 

He said Tyler was the ‘most kind, loving, spirited person I ever met in my entire life’. 

Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski died after killing himself 

Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski died after killing himself 

Ryan also quoted their mother, Kelly, who said: ‘Tyler was my Superman’. 

His family still do not know why Tyler chose to end his life. 

Christine Hilinski, Tyler’s aunt, said: ‘Tyler was hurting in ways we can’t imagine.’   

Tyler, 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 at the time of his death: ‘I feel so sick right now and wish I would have stayed closer to you after high school. RIP Tyler Hilinski. Love you bro.’ 

UCLA player Josh Woods, who played with Hilinski at Upland High School in California, said at the time of his death: 'I feel so sick right now and wish I would have stayed closer to you after high school. RIP Tyler Hilinski. Love you bro.' Pictured: Tyler with his family 

UCLA player Josh Woods, who played with Hilinski at Upland High School in California, said at the time of his death: ‘I feel so sick right now and wish I would have stayed closer to you after high school. RIP Tyler Hilinski. Love you bro.’ Pictured: Tyler with his family 

'The missing piece here is why,' Police Chief Gary Jenkins said of the suicide, which happened on January 16

‘The missing piece here is why,’ Police Chief Gary Jenkins said of the suicide, which happened on January 16

Flowers and balloons and signs that said 'We love you Tyler' were left outside the Martin Stadium after news broke of Tyler's death 

Flowers and balloons and signs that said ‘We love you Tyler’ were left outside the Martin Stadium after news broke of Tyler’s death 

‘We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Tyler’s passing,’ Washington State coach Mike Leach said in a statement. 

‘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.’

For confidential support, call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255.    



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk