Former Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Tommy Lazarus has tragically passed away at the age of 27.
The Colorado native died on December 22 in a fatal hunting accident in Destin, Florida, according to reports.
According to News 10, the incident occurred at Eglin Air Force Base, and Lazarus was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office described the incident as a “tragic hunting accident.”
Lazaro, known as “Touchdown Tommy,” played in 20 games for the Chippewas, helping them go 8-6 on the season and advance to the MAC Championship Game in 2019.
The quarterback gained 758 yards and five touchdowns through the air during his time at Central Michigan. He added 542 yards and 11 scores on the ground.
Former Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Tommy Lazarus dies at age 27
After graduating with a degree in entrepreneurship, Lazarus joined the Army and rose to the rank of sergeant.
Lazarus’ former coach Jim McElwain paid a heartbreaking tribute. He said, “When we took over the program, Tommy was really our leader in many ways.
“CMU football is fortunate to have him and will always remember all he did for so many of us. He will be missed by all of the Chippewa Nation.”
“He was a great soul,” former CMU athletic director Michael Alford told the Detroit News. “I couldn’t have met a better person who cared about others.”
In 2019, Lazarus spoke about his experiences on and off the field at CMU.
“This place has given me a home, an education, and a place to meet my best friends, who I will know for the rest of my life,” he told student newspaper CM Life.
