WSU

‘Never would’ve guessed this in a million years’: WSU’s Tyler Hilinski remembered as genuine, well-liked

Jan 17, 2018, 10:13 AM | Updated: 1:24 pm

hilinski...

Tyler Hilinski was remembered as a popular, friendly player on WSU's football team. (AP)

(AP)

LISTEN: WSU reporter Theo Lawson on Tyler Hilinski as a person and teammate

The Spokesman Review’s Theo Lawson joined Brock Huard and Mike Salk on 710 ESPN Seattle Wednesday morning to answer questions surrounding the tragic passing of Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski.

Pullman police responded to Hilinski’s Pullman apartment Tuesday after he failed to show up for practice, where he was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A rifle and note were recovered nearby. He was 21 years old.

Callers speak on depression, suicide prevention after Hilinski’s death

“It’s obviously shocking for the community and for the Washington State football team,” The Spokesman Review’s Theo Lawson told Brock and Salk. “Never would’ve guessed this in a million years.”

Lawson began covering the Cougars in August, and remembers Hilinski as being a genuine, fun-loving person.

“(Hilinski) was one of the first people I spoke to. He was one of the more genuine people on the team, one of the most well-liked players on the team. Teammates played for him as if he was the starting quarterback. He was always known to be positive and upbeat; kind of had this infectious attitude, great sense of humor, and was very humble. Graceful after losses, after wins. Really, the kind of guy you want on your team.

“I’ve only known him from the media perspective, (but) was always the kid with the smile on his face. You never know what kind of internal monsters someone’s dealing with and what’s going on behind the scenes.”

The investigation to confirm Hilinski’s cause of death is ongoing.

You can find Lawson’s full interview in this podcast.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours at 1-800-273-8255. If you prefer to text, the Crisis Text Line is available 24/7, text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to reach a trained crisis counselor.

Brock and Salk podcast

WSU

WSU women's basketball Bella Murekatete...

The Associated Press

WSU Cougars women’s hoops a top seed in new WBIT tournament

Penn State, James Madison, Villanova and WSU will play in the inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament as the No. 1 seeds after just missing the NCAAs.

11 hours ago

WSU Kyle Smith basketball coach...

Brent Stecker

WSU coach Kyle Smith on potential extension: ‘We’re working on it’

WSU men's basketball coach Kyle Smith joined Bump and Stacy to talk about making the NCAA Tournament and his future with the program.

12 hours ago

WSU NCAA Myles Rice Cougars...

Brent Stecker

No. 22 WSU, No. 17 Gonzaga get their NCAA Tournament draws

For the first time in 16 years, the Gonzaga Bulldogs will be joined in the men's basketball NCAA Tournament by their neighbors from just down U.S. Route 195, the WSU Cougars.

1 day ago

WSU...

The Associated Press

Simpson scores 16, Colorado defeats WSU 58-52 in Pac-12 semifinals

KJ Simpson scored 16 points and Colorado held WSU to a season low in points, defeating the Cougars 58-52 in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals.

3 days ago

WSU Cougars Isaac Jones...

Mark Anderson

Jones scores 16, No. 22 WSU beats Stanford 79-62

Isaac Jones led six players in double figures as the No. 22 WSU Cougars beat Stanford 79-62 in the Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinals.

4 days ago

Gardner Minshew WSU Pro Bowl Raiders...

Mark Anderson

WSU product Gardner Minshew to get shot to start for Raiders

After a Pro Bowl season, the 27-year-old Gardner Minshew is expected to be compete with Aidan O’Connell to be the starting QB in Las Vegas.

7 days ago

‘Never would’ve guessed this in a million years’: WSU’s Tyler Hilinski remembered as genuine, well-liked