Police will not release suicide note in WSU QB Tyler Hilinski's death

PULLMAN — Police will not release the suicide note found with Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski when his body was discovered.

Pullman Police Chief Gary Jenkins says state law restricts the release of suicide note details only to family members.

The chief says his department's investigation has not revealed any particular motive for suicide. The investigation will remain open pending toxicology results.

Police say the 21-year-old Hilinski shot himself in the head with a .223-caliber rifle on Jan. 16 in his apartment. The sophomore quarterback was last seen alive that morning when he dropped a teammate off on campus for class.

Police say the rifle belonged to a teammate and that Hilinski took it without the teammate's knowledge on or before Jan. 12.

Hilinski is from Claremont, California, and went to high school at nearby Upland. He arrived on campus in 2015 and redshirted before appearing in four games in 2016.

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Hilinski was the presumptive starting quarterback going into next season. He started Washington State's Holiday Bowl loss to Michigan State after Luke Falk was unable to play due to a wrist injury.

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 threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns coming off the bench, and was carried off the field after the victory.

His only start came in the bowl game against Michigan State, although he played extensively in a loss to Arizona.

Officials with the university said all WSU students needing immediate assistance can contact the 24-hour  WSU Crisis Line at 509-335-2159.  Staff and faculty can receive assistance at the Employee Assistance Program State toll-free number at 1-877-313-4455.

If you know someone who is having suicidal thoughts should call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The line is answered 24-hours a day: 1-800-273-8255.

Associated Press