A former Central Michigan quarterback died in a looking accident at an Air Drive base in Florida.
Tommy Lazzaro, affectionately generally known as “Touchdown Tommy,” died after the tragic incident on Sunday in Florida, Central Michigan College introduced.
He was 27 years outdated.
He was a member of the Central Michigan soccer workforce from 2016-19 and helped lead the workforce to a MAC title recreation look in 2019.
After graduating, he enlisted in the US Military.
Lazzaro’s tragic demise occurred on the Eglin vary on the Eglin Air Drive Base positioned in Freeport, Florida, when he was struck by a stray bullet that had been fired by a hunter, army information web site Process & Objective reported.
Lazzaro, a member of the 2nd Battalion, seventh Particular Forces Group, had been on his technique to the vary to help a fellow soldier who had been having automotive bother, a spokesperson for the seventh Particular Forces Group informed the outlet.
A number of companies responded to the incident, together with the Walton County Sheriff’s Workplace and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee.
What occurred has been described as a “tragic hunting accident,” WMBB reported.
Lazzaro appeared in 20 video games over the course of his profession at Central Michigan, and he made 5 begins for the Chippewas, finishing 72 passes for 758 yards and 5 touchdowns.
He rushed for 542 yards and 11 touchdowns on 133 makes an attempt.
“When we took over the program, Tommy was truly our leader in so many ways,” head coach Jim McElwain, who took over this system in 2019, stated in an announcement. “CMU Football was blessed to have him and will always remember him for all he did for many of us. He will be missed by all of the Chippewas.”
Earlier than his arrival in Central Michigan, Lazzaro performed a 12 months at Dodge Metropolis Neighborhood School the place he put up 2,237 yards and 14 touchdowns whereas the workforce went 9-3.
He adopted in his father and grandfather’s footsteps by enlisting within the army, reaching the rank of sergeant on the time of his demise.
“We deeply mourn the loss of U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Lazzaro of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne),” Col. Patrick Nelson, seventh SFG(A) commander, informed Process & Objective. “We will never forget his dedication, courage, and commitment to safeguarding our freedoms. His absence leaves a void that will be felt professionally and personally among those who had the honor of working with Thomas. Our heartfelt condolences extend to his family, friends, and comrades during this difficult time.”
A service for Lazzaro is being held in Fort Walton Seashore, Florida, on Saturday.