Washington State Football: Tyler Hilinski found dead in apparent suicide

This is a story you never want to see. The Washington State football family is grieving the loss of quarterback Tyler Hilinski.

Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski was found dead on Tuesday after an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

The Pullman, Washington Police Department confirmed the death in a press release posted by the Seattle Times.

The school issued a statement late Tuesday night

Hilinski is listed as a redshirt sophomore on the Washington State football roster. He relieved Luke Falk in a handful of games this year and also started the Holiday Bowl.

In the bowl game vs. Michigan State, Hilinski completed 30 of 50 for 272 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He finished the season 130-for-179 for 1,176 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

He also was 25 of 33 for 240 yards with three touchdowns in a triple-overtime victory over Boise State, a game Hilinski entered with the Cougars down 31-10 and led them to a 47-44 win.

As a freshman in 2016, Hilinski completed 24 of 30 for 245 yards with two scores and a pick. Hilinski’s brother, Ryan Hilinski, posted on Twitter asking “please keep my family in your prayers tonight.”

Hilinski came to Washington State after a standout career for Upland in Claremont, California. He set or broke nine passing related records for the school, including passing percentage (68), passing touchdowns in a game (seven), passing completions (182) and single-game yards (446).

As a senior, Hilinski threw for 2,738 yards and 22 touchdowns in 13 games, leading Upland to a 10-3 record and semifinal berth in the CIF South Section playoff. He was rated a four-star quarterback recruit by Rivals, which ranked him the 10th-best pro style quarterback in the nation.

With Falk departing for the NFL, Hilinski was the favorite to replace him and direct the Mike Leach offense for Washington State next year.