CLOSE Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski was found dead of an apparent suicide on Tuesday afternoon. USA TODAY Sports 
 
 Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski, started for the Cougars in the 2017 Holiday Bowl 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. 
 
 Officers went to the apartment to do a welfare check after he missed practice. Hilinski, 21, was found deceased with a gunshot wound to his head — which investigators believe was self-inflicted — with a rifle and suicide note nearby, the police said in the statement released to USA TODAY Sports. 
 
 “Pullman Police detectives and the Whitman County Coroner’s Office are conducting a thorough investigation to confirm the suspected cause and manner of death,” the statement said. 
 
 Hilinski was a redshirt sophomore and a native of Claremont, Calif. He started the Holiday Bowl in place of Luke Falk, who was injured. It was his eighth appearance of the season and first start. 
 
 “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Tyler’s passing," Washington State head football 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." 
 
 Added WSU interim athletic director John Johnson: "The tragic news today surrounding Tyler Hilinksi 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." 
 
 Johnson said in the statement that the football team assembled Monday night where news of Hilinski's passing was shared. The school had counseling and psychological staff on hand at the meeting. 
 
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 "The university will continue to coordinate and provide ongoing counseling care for all student-athletes as long as needed," Johnson said in the statement. 
 
 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!" 
 
 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! — Roy Manning (@CoachRoyM) January 17, 2018 
 
 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 . 
 
 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. 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. Heaven received a very special person." 
 
 God, let Tyler find peace. Everyone please pray for the Hilinski family tonight. Heaven received a very special person. 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 threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns coming off the bench, and was carried off the field after the victory. 
 
 Our prayers and condolences tonight to the @WSUCougars community and the Hilinski family. 
 
 
 
 Someone you know and love is struggling. Treat people with kindness. Spend extra time listening. Show them how much you care. 
 
 
 
 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. 
 
 Follow A.J. Perez on Twitter @byajperez ||||| 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. 
 
 Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski has died of an apparent suicide, the Pullman Police Department confirmed in a news release Tuesday night. 
 
 According to the release, police were asked to check on Hilinski, 21, at his apartment in Pullman around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday after the quarterback did not show up for a workout earlier in the 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. The contents of the note were not released. 
 
 Pullman Police Chief Gary Jenkins said Tuesday night that it appears to be a suicide. 
 
 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,” WSU coach Mike Leach said in a statement Tuesday night. “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.” 
 
 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). You will be routed to a local crisis center where professionals can talk you through a risk assessment and provide resources in your community. The more of the signs below that a person shows, the greater the risk of suicide. Talking about wanting to die 
 
 Looking for a way to kill oneself 
 
 Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose 
 
 Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain 
 
 Talking about being a burden to others 
 
 Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs 
 
 Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly 
 
 Sleeping too little or too much 
 
 Withdrawing or feeling isolated 
 
 Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge 
 
 Displaying extreme mood swings Source: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 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). 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. 
 
 “The tragic news today surrounding Tyler Hilinksi is devastating to all,” Johnson said in his statement. “Tyler was a tremendous individual, great friend and teammate, and he will be deeply missed. 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. 
 
 Hilinski’s signature game at WSU came against Boise State last year, when he came off the bench in relief of Falk to lead the Cougars to a comeback win in triple overtime. Hilinski threw three touchdown passes that day, including the game-winning score to Jamal Morrow. 
 
 Hilinski was beloved by his teammates, many of whom took to Twitter on Tuesday night to express their shock and grief and to honor their quarterback. 
 
 “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 yourself. Love you, man. Rest in peace,” safety Skyler Thomas tweeted. 
 
 “This one hurt, man. Love you Ty dawg. Wish you were still here with us,” receiver Jamire Calvin tweeted. 
 
 Using Hilinski’s nickname, “Klink”, freshman quarterback Connor Neville tweeted, “Love you Klink, you were the best role model. Rest easy. 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. WSU was originally slated to introduce Patrick Chun at 11 a.m. Wednesday. A new date has not been announced. 
 
 If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Information, 1-800-273-TALK (8255). In an emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. 
 
 Coolest guy I ever knew man it hurt me to my hart to know that your gone bro. Rest easy bro pic.twitter.com/A2hEMjog1T — Tavares Martin Jr (@ASAP_561) January 17, 2018 
 
 Tyler was such a great young man and teammate. It's shocking and heartbreaking to know he was dealing with so much in his head when he always had a smile and a joke ready for anyone walking into the room. Rest easy, brother. #RIP3 — Carlos Freeman (@CarlosFreeman78) January 17, 2018 
 
 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! — Roy Manning (@CoachRoyM) January 17, 2018 ||||| Scott Van Pelt reports on the death of Washington State QB Tyler Hilinski, who, according to police, suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. (0:22) 
 
 Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski, 21, was found dead Tuesday in an apartment in Pullman, Washington, according to police. 
 
 Hilinski suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and a rifle and suicide note were found next to him, according to Pullman police. 
 
 Officers responded to Hilinski's apartment to conduct a welfare check after he "did not show up for practice earlier in the day," police said. 
 
 "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, a Claremont, California, native, just finished his redshirt sophomore season for the Cougars. He started the team's bowl game against Michigan State and was expected to take over the starting role next season. He enrolled at Washington State in January 2015 after attending Upland High School in Southern California. 
 
 "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 Tuesday night in a statement. 
 
 "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's younger brother, Ryan, is a highly regarded quarterback prospect in the Class of 2019. 
 
 Ryan Hilinski issued a statement later Tuesday. 
 
 "We, as a family, are grieving after receiving news that my brother, Tyler Hilinski took his own life this afternoon," the statement read. "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." 
 
 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. Rest In Peace🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/LmNC1ZLNZi — Skyler Thomas (@Sky_Dolla_Sign) January 17, 2018 
 
 God, let Tyler find peace. Everyone please pray for the Hilinski family tonight. Heaven received a very special person. 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! — Roy Manning (@CoachRoyM) January 17, 2018 
 
 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 came off the bench to throw for 240 yards and three touchdowns, and was carried off the field after the victory. 
 
 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."