Washington State Cougars quarterback Tyler Hilinski was found dead late Tuesday night after apparently committing suicide.
A rifle and a suicide note were found next to Hilinkski’s body, according to a statement released to the media by the police.
It didn’t take long before the sports community poured out their prayers and thoughts for Hilinski.
Waking up to the awful Tyler Hilinski news. One of the things we can all do to honor his memory and save more lives is to break down the stigma around mental health. There is still a long way to go. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. pic.twitter.com/GKurM3C6ow
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) January 17, 2018
I, too, am in shock. Tyler Hilinski was always gregarious, cheerful and respectful to both the media and his teammates.
But you never know the personal demons each human being is fighting. Be kind to each other, everyone.
My thoughts go out to the Hilinski family tonight. https://t.co/yWWzhbFdwu
— Stefanie Loh (@StefanieLoh) January 17, 2018
Less than three weeks ago, Tyler Hilinski was Washington State’s starting QB in the Holiday Bowl. Tonight he was found dead in apparent suicide. pic.twitter.com/bf118xT06L
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) January 17, 2018
This Tyler Hilinski news is hard. We all need to talk more about depression. Here’s a start: I’ve battled depression for most of my life. I spent my 20th birthday in the hospital b/c of it. I’m here now b/c I finally talked to people about it. I wasn’t alone. You’re not alone.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) January 17, 2018
Rest In Peace brother Tyler Hilinski
— Sidney Jones IV (@SidneyJonesIV) January 17, 2018
Tyler Hilinski walked his mother back to her Marriott in Pullman after leading #WSU to a triple-overtime comeback victory over #BSU in September. This is how she recounted that moment to me a few days later – the true essence of Tyler, in my opinion. pic.twitter.com/8kQUAPUghF
— Theo Lawson (@TheoLawson_SR) January 17, 2018
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Tyler’s passing. 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” – Coach Leach regarding Tyler Hilinski
— WSU Cougar Football (@wsucougfb) January 17, 2018
Rest In Peace to Washington State QB Tyler Hilinski. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers, and never be afraid to ask who is hurting. pic.twitter.com/aNWmyaFPcG
— 12up (@12upSport) January 17, 2018
Pullman Police have confirmed tonight that WSU student and football player Tyler Hilinski took his own life tonight. Wishing peace to those who love him & help for those who feel they have nowhere to turn. #GoCougs
— Melissa Luck (@MelissaKXLY4) January 17, 2018
#RIP3 pic.twitter.com/fIrELLM0se
— WSU Cougars (@WSUCougars) January 17, 2018
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Tyler Hilinski’s family, friends and the entire Washington State community. https://t.co/q26mLLHsMd
— Washington Athletics (@UWAthletics) January 17, 2018
Traded some texts with some #WAZZU FB coaches regarding the Tyler Hilinski tragedy. Folks up there are in shock by the news: “He was one of most outgoing kids on the team who was always smiling.”
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 17, 2018
It’s never fun writing articles about stuff of this nature. Hilinski was starting in a bowl game against Michigan State just a few weeks ago, and now he’s gone. It’s one of the most sobering things you can ever wake up to and see.
It’s also a dark reminder that the way we see people behave publicly isn’t always a true representation of what’s going on. Hilinski by all accounts was an extremely happy and outgoing kid. He was a quarterback on a major college football, but he also clearly struggled with some dark demons. It’s just a shame his life came to an end at 21 years of age. Nobody’s story should ever end like that.
Our prayers are with the entire Washington State athletic community and everyone touched by this tragic situation. I know that people come in here everyday to read some stuff, get updated on what’s going on in the world and hopefully be entertained. We like to keep things light, but please talk to somebody if you find yourself in a dark place. We don’t need more headlines like this one.