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Tyler Hilinski
1996 - 2018
Tyler Hilinski
1996 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1996
DIED
2018
Tyler Hilinski Obituary
The 21-year-old Hilinski was discovered in his apartment after he didn't show up for practice Tuesday. A rifle "was recovered next to Hilinski and a suicide note was found," according to the Pullman Police Department.
"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."
Hilinski was the presumptive starting quarterback going into next season. He started Washington State's Holiday Bowl loss to Michigan State after senior Luke Falk was unable to play due to a wrist injury.
"The tragic news today surrounding Tyler Hilinski is devastating to all. Tyler was a tremendous individual, great friend and teammate, and he will be deeply missed. Our hearts go out to his family and friends," interim athletic director John Johnson said. "Earlier tonight, the football team was brought together and informed of the tragedy. There, they were met by campus and department counseling and psychological services, including athletics' on-staff clinical psychologist and a licensed mental health counselor, along with WSU Athletics medical team. The university will continue to coordinate and provide ongoing counseling care for all student-athletes as long as needed."
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, and was carried off the field after the victory.
His only start came in the bowl game against Michigan State, although he played extensively in a loss to Arizona.
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!"
Washington State's players took to social media in reaction to Hilinski's death.
"Ty you were a great teammate, friend, brother anything we needed you to be. You brought smiles to the people around you. I am sorry I could not be there for you when you needed a smile for yourself. Love you man," defensive back Skyler Thomas wrote on Twitter.
Fellow quarterback John Bledsoe also wrote on Twitter : "God, let Tyler find peace. Everyone please pray for the Hilinski family tonight. Heaven received a very special person."
Hilinski was from Claremont, California, and went to high school at nearby Upland. He arrived on campus in 2015 and redshirted before appearing in four games in 2016.
We invite you to share condolences for Tyler Hilinski in our Guest Book.
If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide, he or she should not be left alone. Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides free, confidential support for people in crisis or emotional distress, 24/7 year-round. The Lifeline also offers an online chat for people who prefer to reach out online rather than by phone.
___
Written by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
80 Entries
Debra Hutton
November 30, 2019
Im sorry. Im a football Mom.
James Korff
November 7, 2019
Massive Prayers to your family. Tyler was clearly an amazing, beautiful person. I just watched 30-30 and cried for your family.
Tylers story is bittersweet, much like our son. We lost our 19 year old son in a single car accident 5 years ago. Reason-unknown.
Our journey since has been challenging as I can only imagine yours has been also.
Mental health is a very real issue. (Especially for teens)
I promise to pray for all of you as I think of my son daily.
God bless you all.
Jim
July 13, 2018
I am so sorry about your loss. May God bless you. If you need anything please let us know
Nayeli Sandbeck
Michael Kielbon
June 26, 2018
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hilinski, My condolences to you for the loss of your son, Tyler. I pray that God gives you comfort, grace and strength during your time of sorrow. May you look to the Lord as He will see you through tragedy and all other difficulty.
How you can show support
The Meyer Family
February 10, 2018
Dear Hilinski Family,
We can see that Tyler was a very special person. We pray that you find peace and comfort.
S S
February 8, 2018
My heartfelt condolences go to the family and dear friends of Mr. Tyler Hilinski. I can't imagine the pain you must be suffering. May your cherished memories console you and may the Father of tender mercies be with you and sustain you during this extremely difficult time.
February 8, 2018
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss of a remarkable man. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of sorrow.
February 3, 2018
To Hilinski Family you have my condolences. May the God of all comfort heal you during this sad time.
Denise
January 30, 2018
My heart broke when I heard the news about this incredible young man passing. I saw him play in the Boise St game and he was amazing. My prayers are with all of the family: for strength and healing. Remember the good times and it will bring a smile to your faces. God Bless you all. As a member of the Cougar Family wishing you a brighter day tomorrow.
Mary Eliopulos
January 28, 2018
My heart breaks for your family. You have a beautiful family. May God grant you all strength and may his memory help through this unimaginable pain. The photo attached is just one of my favorites of many. RIP #3 ❤
The Pfaff family
January 28, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hikinski family. Blessed to have met him.
Rest In peace
January 27, 2018
We will miss you
Bev & Jim Cook
January 27, 2018
Our hearts and prayers are with you. May God grant you His peace. Tyler will forever be in our memories of a very special Cougar who touched so many hearts and lives!
Kim Tunison
January 27, 2018
Dear Tyler,
My heart hurts for you though I never got the chance to meet you. As a mom of 5 boys, a teacher and a Coug, my heart hurts your family too. They loved you so much! But now you are their own personal angel. You are their guiding light as they travel on earth without you. In heaven, I hope you are the one who will lift the angels up and make them smile. Be at Peace Tyler! You are loved by your family and all Cougar nation!
January 27, 2018
The Marshall family ands our love to you during this unimaginable time.
January 27, 2018
Prayers for the Hilinski family. May you find the peace you need Tyler
Angelica Estrada
January 27, 2018
Prayers to your beautiful family. Tylor was such a funny young man. He went to Upland HS with my son Jonah Estrada. Jonah and Tylor were in AP Spanish class. Jonah tells us the fun stories of their Spanish conversations. Will be missed. Our hearts aches for all of you. God hold him near! ❤
Lisa Quinlivan
January 27, 2018
My heart aches these last few weeks. A young Man gone way too soon. My prayers go out to the Hilinski family for losing their precious Son. May God give give you strength as a family to carry on for Tyler. Treasure those beautiful memories until you see Tyler again. God Bless all of you!
Rick and Suzie Wuitschick
January 27, 2018
So sorry for your loss. We send our prayers to all of
Tyler's family as well as his teammates. May knowing that others are praying for you will give you some peace. We will always remember Tyler's great smile and his love for WSU
❤A Coug family
Peggy Opatken
January 27, 2018
I didn't know Tyler but am the mother of three.. my prayers are with the damik. He looked like a beautiful son
Liz Hylton
January 27, 2018
Tyler was a young man I never knew and yet has been in my thoughts and prayers daily, as have you his family. Please know that the strength and love and prayers of many you will never meet surround you now and in the days to come.
A cougar mom
January 26, 2018
Our hearts break for the family, his friends, teammates, and coug nation. God bless you during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers .
Sara Matson
January 26, 2018
To the family of Tyler...I'm so sorry for your loss. I regret I didn't know him personally, but saw him play at the Holiday Bowl. He was amazing that night. From one Coug to the family of another, please accept my deepest condolences.
The Berday Family
January 26, 2018
Sending love to his Cougar family, and to the entire Hilinski family. We are so very very sorry for the immeasurable loss and pain you are experiencing with the loss of Tyler. May you always carry his memory in your heart and know Tyler was clearly loved by everyone who knew him.
January 25, 2018
My heartfelt condolences and prayers for the Hilinski family. May God grant solace to the family and acquaintances during this most challenging time. I am truly sorry for your loss. With Love & Prayers
Your Great Aunt and Cousins The Krietemeyer Family
January 24, 2018
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4 Our hearts to yours. Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold close.
Coug Family
January 24, 2018
We love you! Your Coug Family
Jim and Lisa Mooney
January 24, 2018
RIP#3 and love to Tyler and the Hilinski Familj from your Coug Family.
wany
January 24, 2018
'' Prayers for Tyler and his family god bless...''
wayne parker
January 24, 2018
'' Prayers for Tyler and his family god bless...''
January 24, 2018
Prayers to Tyler, let his spirit be at peace, and prayers for the Hilinski family at this time of sorrow. ❤
Linda Mackovich
January 24, 2018
I did not know Tyler personally, but he will always be a part of our Cougar family. He was an amazing young man from a beautiful family. I feel such sadness for the Helinski family.. We pray for your continued strength and courage.
Howard Roland
January 23, 2018
Jim, Pam Lenny and I send our condolences to you and your family. I remember meeting Mark years ago not sure where most likely having dinner with you and Pam.. I was always impressed with your children all football players.
I was sad to hear about Tyler.
Please give me a call when you are up to it, I did try to reach you at the number I had but I gather it was incorrect
Vickee Turner
January 23, 2018
To the Hilinski family, we send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to you during this difficult time. We were so very saddened to hear about Tyler. We were fortunate to know all of you during your time at Notre Dame; we remember the happy times our boys spent playing football and just being friends. Our thoughts are with you all.
The Turners
Cyndi Strand
January 22, 2018
My prayers are with you. What a terrible loss - I understand your pain having lost my son too. I wish you comfort in your many memories of your boy. Sending you love and prayers.
January 21, 2018
I was so excited too see Tyler play in the Holiday Bowl WSU vs MSU. Living in Claremont, Ca I had the chance to meet the Hilinski family as both Kelly and Tyler attended the preschool I worked at. Having said that, as a preschool teacher you always wonder what happens to your former students as they grow up continue of lifes course. Can you imagine my joy and happiness when I seen Tyler in the Holiday bowl my heart was so happy. My heart broke when news broke about Tyler's death. My thoughts and prayers are with the Hilinski family.
Prayers from Michigan.
Karen Tittle
January 20, 2018
In the words of the music artist SEAL ..."I WANT YOU TO KNOW YOUR ALWAYS AMAZING.!!!!!! Don't forget to tell those you love how special they are and how much you love them. I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW YOUR ALWAYS AMAZING....
January 20, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
D Cover
January 20, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. May the family find comfort in the God of tender mercies and comfort (Isa. 51:3 and 2 Cor 1:3) during your time of grief.
The Vines
January 19, 2018
Our hearts are broken and we send the entire Hilinski family our deepest sympathy.
January 19, 2018
My sympathies and prayers to Tyler's family and all who knew him.
I know he will be missed by many.
Lois Ullrich
January 19, 2018
May the God of heaven comfort you during this very difficult time of loss. Your loved one Tyler was so young and had his whole life ahead of him. My sympathy goes out to his Family and Friends,
Sandra
Jim Martin
January 19, 2018
Matthew 11:28 - 30........Romans 10:9 - 13
L Sorkin
January 19, 2018
To Tyler Helinski family, friends and WSU football team
I hope these words give you a measure of comfort to help you at this time.
I beleive that hope survives, love prevails, tears cleanse, memories comfort, faith soothes, good thoughts reassure, and that our belief in a better place calms the heart.
January 19, 2018
Please accept this message sent in sympathy, and though the words are few, may they help to ease the loss of someone so dear to you. Let God's promise at John 6:40 comfort you.
Julie Conzelmann
January 19, 2018
My heart and prayers goes out to Tyler's family, and the community.
January 19, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plIQTc1VJu8&list=RDMMplIQTc1VJu8
J & Anne
January 18, 2018
May you find comfort in God's promise to end all suffering, pain and sorrow. You have our deepest sympathy.
G. Freeman
January 18, 2018
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Bob Bowman
January 18, 2018
I did not know Tyler but I knew his dad Mark, and his grandparents, Jim & Pam Hilinski. It breaks my heart to see this happen to such a great family as the Hilinski's. I worked with Jim at Disney, no finer person, no finer family, no finer human beings. I am sad beyond belief.
Larry Horak - Upland High '59
January 18, 2018
Tyler, we've been privileged to follow your football career for the past 5 years. It appears as though you have had expectations for yourself that are well beyond the love and respect that we mortals can offer to you. We are deeply saddened that you've left us as you've gone on to your next step. God bless you, Tyler, and a special measure of comfort to your family, close friends, and teammates. We'll all need to "pick up our game" a bit to cover your absence among us.
Mica Boroch
January 18, 2018
Sad beyond belief. Heaven gained another angel. Prayers for comfort and healing for the Hilinski family. God Bless you all.
Josey
January 18, 2018
Please Accept My Heartfelt Condolences , The tragic loss of loved one can be truly devastating. God's word promises to give comfort Isaiah 51:12 " I am the One comforting ". The is so comforting he understands your families pain and grief. Throw your anxiety upon God and he will sustain and support your family. May the outpouring of love of and support your family.❤
January 18, 2018
So very sorry for your loss. My condolences to the Hilinski Family. May God grant you strength to endure this difficult time.
January 18, 2018
Sorry for the loss. Condolences to family and close friends. Isa.26:19.
January 18, 2018
May the family find peace and comfort in knowing all sickness, all pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
Joan
January 18, 2018
May Tyler find the peace in heaven that he could not find on earth.
Carlotta
January 17, 2018
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Hilinski family and friends at this difficult moment.
January 17, 2018
RIP my deepest sympathy to family
Lisa Swanzy
January 17, 2018
To the family, friends, neighbors of Tyler Hilinski and the ENTIRE Washington State University family:
I am SO VERY SORRY to learn of Tyler's TRAGIC death! While I did NOT KNOW Tyler PERSONALLY, I do KNOW ALL the emotions, fears, and questions that arise when someone ends his/her life. My father ended his life on October 23, 1997 with a gunshot wound to the chest. My heart TRULY CRIES for EACH of YOU. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT KEEP ANY of your EMOTIONS PENT UP INSIDE!! Talk to EACH OTHER, your families, your friends, your neighbors, your professors/instructors, counselors, therapists, etc. NOT OPENING UP is BOTH unhealthy and can be fatal. I am a member of SEVERAL Facebook pages SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED for people who HAVE EXPERIENCED a SUICIDE LOSS. These closed groups have BEEN just as BENEFICIAL to MY recovery as BOTH one-on-one and group counseling. I am HAPPY to help ANY of YOU find help helpful resources AS WELL AS answer your questions based upon MY journey. PLEASE FEEL FREE to message me on Facebook at Lisa War Eagle Swanzy. ALL of YOU are in my THOUGHTS and PRAYERS in the days/weeks to come.
With my SINCEREST sympathies,
Lisa
January 17, 2018
With deepest sympathy,
Bradford Willis, DDS
Texas
January 17, 2018
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
January 17, 2018
My heart breaks for you and your family Tyler.
January 17, 2018
Dear God please take care of Tyler who is now with you in heaven. My condolences to the family
RIP Tyler
Harry Simpson
January 17, 2018
Godspeed Tyler... My deepest sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones..
Dennis Haun
January 17, 2018
Yes please keep Tyler family in prayer. He was my Great Nephew. Close to an A. student, clean cut, good at sports as his two older brothers also are. Still awaiting word.. His Grandfather Charles ( Bucky ) Haun was also good at sports here in Peoria back in the 1950's. Tyler will be missed by all of us.
Dennis Haun
January 17, 2018
My condolences to the family and friends of Hilinski who will be dearly miss and may God comfort you during this difficult time.
Joey Scroggins
January 17, 2018
I'll be praying for the Hilinski Family during this difficult time. Sorry for the loss of Tyler.
January 17, 2018
May the "God of all comforts" be with friends and family. 2 Cor 1:3
January 17, 2018
So sad...
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