Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski, 21, was found dead Tuesday of “an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head,” according to police. The 6-3, 213-pound Hilinski was discovered in his apartment after he didn’t show up for practice Tuesday. Police said in a release that, “A rife was recovered next to Hilinski and a suicide note was found.” Hilinski just completed his sophomore season and was in the running to be the No. 1 quarterback next season after starting the team’s Holiday Bowl loss to Michigan State. Hilinski completed 154-of-209 passes for 1,421 yards with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions in two seasons in a backup role to Luke Falk. Police and coroner’s office are conducting a thorough investigation to confirm the suspected cause and manner of death, according to the police release.
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