College Basketball

Ball State basketball player's death ruled a suicide

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:00 p.m. ET

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AP

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) Ball State coach James Whitford is offering condolences to the family of Zach Hollywood a day after the basketball player was found dead of an apparent suicide in an off-campus apartment.

Delaware County coroner Scott Hahn said Hollywood killed himself. The 19-year-old Hollywood was from Bradley, Illinois, and redshirted last season as a freshman.

''We are deeply saddened by the loss of Zach Hollywood. Zach was a terrific young man with an incredibly bright future in front of him. His loss is a true tragedy for all those who knew and loved him,'' Whitford said in a statement Wednesday. ''Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, especially Zach's family. This is an incredibly hard moment for everyone.''

Team spokesman Tyson Mathews said players and coaches would have no any additional comment.

Hollywood, a 6-foot-9 forward, was expected to play a significant role for the Cardinals this season. He chose Ball State after averaging 17.5 points during his senior season at Bradley-Bourbonnais High School.

''During his time on campus, he was a member of the men's basketball team and made many positive impressions throughout campus,'' the university said in a statement Tuesday night. ''This is a tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and teammates.''

The school encouraged anyone who needed help coping with Hollywood's death to seek out help on or off campus.

Some of Ball State's players expressed their sorrow on Twitter.

''Not just a teammate but my best friend and my brother,'' Trey Moses wrote. ''I love you bro, watch over me.''

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More AP college basketball: www.collegebasketball.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-Top25

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