WSU QB Hilinski, 21, dies from an apparent suicide

SEATTLE — Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski has died of an apparent suicide, the Pullman Police Department confirmed in a news release Tuesday night.

According to the release, police were asked to check on Hilinski, 21, at his apartment in Pullman around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday after the quarterback did not show up for a workout earlier in the day.

Upon their arrival, officers reported they found Hilinski dead in his apartment with an “apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.”

According to the Pullman police, a rifle was recovered next to Hilinski and a suicide note was found. The contents of the note were not released.

Pullman Police Chief Gary Jenkins said Tuesday night that it appears to be a suicide.

Hilinski was a redshirt sophomore quarterback from Claremont who was Luke Falk’s primary backup over the last two seasons, and was the most likely candidate to earn the starting job next season.

“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Tyler’s passing,” WSU coach Mike Leach said in a statement Tuesday night. “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.”

In a statement, WSU interim athletic director John Johnson said the football team met Tuesday night and were informed of Hilinski’s death in the presence of counselors, a clinical psychologist and the WSU Athletics medical team.