Former Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Tommy Lazzaro has tragically died at the age of 27.
Reports claim the Colorado native died in a fatal hunting accident on December 22 in Destin, Florida.
According to News 10The incident occurred at Eglin Air Force Base and Lazzaro was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Walton County Sheriff's Office described the incident as a “tragic hunting accident.”
Known as 'Touchdown Tommy,' Lazzaro played 20 times for the Chippewas and helped them reach the MAC Championship Game in 2019 after going 8-6 on the season.
The quarterback racked up 758 yards and five touchdowns through the air during his time at Central Michigan. He added 542 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
Former Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Tommy Lazzaro has passed away at the age of 27.
After graduating in entrepreneurship, Lazzaro enlisted in the army and rose to sergeant.
Lazzaro's former coach, Jim McElwain, paid a heartbreaking tribute. He said: 'When we took over the program, Tommy was truly our leader in many ways.
'CMU Football was lucky to have him and will always remember him for everything he did for so many of us. He will be missed by all Chippewas.
“He was a great soul,” said former CMU athletic director Michael Alford. The Detroit News. “I couldn't have met a better person who cared about others.”
In 2019, Lazzaro spoke about his experience at CMU, both on and off the field.
“This place has given me a home, an education, a place to meet some of my best friends, guys I will know for the rest of my life,” he told student newspaper CM Life.