Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski has died of an apparent suicide, the Pullman Police Department confirmed in a news release Tuesday night. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.” 
 
 In 2017, Hilinski played in eight games, earning his first career start in WSU’s Holiday Bowl game against Michigan State. (Photo: Orlando Ramirez, USA TODAY Sports) 
 
 Backup Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski was found dead Tuesday afternoon in his apartment and authorities are investigating his death as an apparent suicide, according to Pullman (Wash.) police.  WSU quarterback Tyler Hilinski was found dead at his apartment, according to Pullman police, who say they went to check on him after he missed practice earlier that day. Upon their arrival, officers reported they found Hilinski dead in his apartment with an “apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.” 
 
 [ WSU teammates, football community react to Hilinski’s death ] 
 
 According to the Pullman police, a rifle was recovered next to Hilinski and a suicide note was found. Hilinski was a redshirt sophomore quarterback from Claremont, Calif., who was Luke Falk’s primary backup over the last two seasons, and was the most likely candidate to earn the starting job next season. “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Tyler’s passing," Washington State head football coach Mike Leach said in a statement. Rest easy bro pic.twitter.com/A2hEMjog1T — Tavares Martin Jr (@ASAP_561) January 17, 2018 
 
 Tyler was such a great young man and teammate. The entire WSU community mourns as thoughts and prayers go out to his family.” 
 
 Warning signs of suicide If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or have concerns about someone else who may be, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). God got you now.” 
 
 In a news release issued Tuesday night, WSU announced that it has postponed the scheduled news conference to announce its new athletic director. “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 Tuesday night in a statement. You will be routed to a local crisis center where professionals can talk you through a risk assessment and provide resources in your community.Source: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 
 
 In a statement, WSU interim athletic director John Johnson said the football team met Tuesday night and were informed of Hilinski’s death in the presence of counselors, a clinical psychologist and the WSU Athletics medical team. “The university will continue to coordinate and provide ongoing counseling care for all student-athletes as long as needed,” Johnson said in the statement, urging all WSU students who need immediate assistance to contact WSU’s 24/7 immediate crisis line. pic.twitter.com/mx4i1MoOhK — John Bledsoe (@johnbledsoe11) January 17, 2018 
 
 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!" #RIP3 — Carlos Freeman (@CarlosFreeman78) January 17, 2018 
 
 Words can’t describe what I’m feeling right now. Defensive back Skyler Thomas and fellow quarterback John Bledsoe were among several Washington State players who 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 . “This one hurt, man. Rest In Peace🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/LmNC1ZLNZi — Skyler Thomas (@Sky_Dolla_Sign) January 17, 2018 
 
 Fellow quarterback John Bledsoe, son of longtime NFL QB and former Wazzu star Drew Bledsoe, also wrote on Twitter, "God, let Tyler find peace. Everyone please pray for the Hilinski family tonight. The more of the signs below that a person shows, the greater the risk of suicide. pic.twitter.com/mx4i1MoOhK — John Bledsoe (@johnbledsoe11) January 17, 2018 
 
 Hilinski's 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 came off the bench to throw for 240 yards and three touchdowns, and was carried off the field after the victory. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 
 
 
 
 1-800-273-8255 — Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) January 17, 2018 
 
 Hilinski attended Upland High in Southern California. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hilinski family — Upland Football (@Uplandfootball) January 17, 2018 
 
 The Associated Press contributed to this report.
– After backup Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski missed practice, police went to his Pullman apartment Tuesday to do a welfare check. They emerged with grim news: The 21-year-old was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head, and USA Today reports a suicide note was found at the scene. The Seattle Times reports the note's contents weren't disclosed; a rifle was also discovered. Pullman Police on Tuesday night confirmed it was an apparent suicide. ESPN reports Hilinski, a native of Claremont, California, had wrapped up his redshirt sophomore season and was slated to be the Cougars' starting quarterback next season. Of the eight games he played in, KING5 describes the standout one: coming off the bench to help WSU triumph over Boise State in triple overtime, overcoming a 21-point deficit at one point. Hilinski's younger brother Ryan had this to say: "We, as a family, are grieving after receiving news that my brother, Tyler Hilinski took his own life this afternoon. We are in complete shock and disarray. Tyler was the kid that put a smile on everybody's face when they were down, especially his family. We will mourn the loss of Tyler for some time but celebrate the way he lived his life every day."