Washington State University football quarterback Tyler Hilinski was found dead in his Pullman apartment this afternoon. Authorities say it appears he took his own life. He was 21 years old.
Police say Hilinski failed to show for practice Tuesday. When officers went to his house to check on his whereabouts, they found his body with a gunshot wound to the head. They say a suicide note was nearby.
Hilinski had just finished his sophomore season at WSU. He started his first game in a Holiday Bowl loss to Michigan State, filling in for the injured starter, senior Luke Falk. Hilinski was the heir apparent to start for the Cougars next fall.
Teammates and others have been Tweeting messages of shock and condolence.
A press conference scheduled Wednesday to announce the university's new athletic director has been postponed to an undetermined date.