College Football

Coroner rules Hilinski death was suicide

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:12 p.m. ET

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) The Whitman County coroner has concluded Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Coroner Peter Martin says Thursday in a press release that the manner of death was suicide.

The 21-year-old Hilinski was discovered in his apartment after he didn't show up for practice Tuesday. A rifle ''was recovered next to Hilinski and a suicide note was found,'' according to the Pullman Police Department.

Hilinski, a backup the past two seasons, was the presumed starter for the Cougars heading into his junior season.