Tyler Hilinski
Tyler Hilinski
Tyler Hilinski autographing a poster for a young fan
Tyler Hilinski (1996 - January 17, 2018) was a student athlete who played quarterback for the Washington State Cougars football team at Washington State University. [1]
Early Life
Tyler Hilinski was originally from Claremont, California, and went to high school at Upland High School in nearby Upland, California. Tylers younger brother, Ryan, is a highly-regarded quarterback prospect in the Class of 2019.
Football Career
Tyler Hilinski with his teammates on the Washington State Cougars football team
Tyler Hilinski was the presumptive starting quarterback for the Washington State Cougars football team going into the 2018 football season. He started Washington State’s Holiday Bowl loss to Michigan State after Luke Falk was unable to play due to a wrist injury. [1]
Hilinski appeared in eight games during his sophomore season, throwing for 1,176 yards and seven touchdowns.
His most memorable outing came in the second week of the season when he led Washington State from a 21-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Boise State 47-44 in triple overtime.
Hilinski threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns coming off the bench.
His only start came in the bowl game against Michigan State, although he played extensively in a loss to Arizona.
He arrived at WSU in 2015 and redshirted before appearing in four games in 2016.
Death
On January 17, 2018 Tyler Hilinski, 21, was found dead on Tuesday in an apartment in Pullman, Washington according to Pullman Police.
He suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and a rifle and suicide note were found next to him, according to Pullman police.
Officers responded to his apartment to conduct a welfare check after Hilinski "did not show up for practice earlier in the day," police said.
Memory
Former Washington State linebackers coach Roy Manning, who recently left for a position at UCLA, tweeted, “Words can’t describe what I’m feeling right now.
My heart is beyond saddened.
Please pray for the family and all of us affected!”[1]
Washington State president Kirk Schulz tweeted, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hilinski family.”
Tyler's younger brother Ryan tweeted, "Please keep my family in your prayers tonight."