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Former Central Michigan University quarterback Tommy Lazarus died Sunday, December 22 after an apparent hunting accident in Florida. He was 27 years old.
Lazzaro’s death was confirmed by the school on Thursday, December 26.
“Several reports indicated that he died as a result of a hunting accident,” the university said, adding that the incident occurred in Destin, Florida.
According to WILX-10The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed the accident occurred at Eglin Air Force Base in Walton County, Florida. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said all parties involved remained on the scene and are cooperating with the investigation.
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The former athlete was serving as a member of the United States Army at the time of his death, a career he chose after playing football at Central Michigan from 2016 to 2019.
“Tommy was really our leader in a lot of ways when we took over the program,” the former Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain he said in a statement. “CMU Football was blessed to have him and he will always be remembered for all he did for so many of us. He will be missed by all Chippewas.”
Lazzaro played in 20 games during his career at Central Michigan and flourished in the second half of the 2019 season, earning the nickname “Touchdown Tommy”.
In the final 5 games of his senior season, Lazzaro scored seven rushing touchdowns, including two in the 2019 MAC Championship game.
He finished his career at Central Michigan with 16 touchdowns — 11 rushing and 5 passing.
“He was a great soul,” former CMU athletic director Michael Alford he said Detroit News. “I couldn’t have met a better person who cares about others.”
In 2019, Lazzaro brought his experience to college, both on and off the field.
“This place gave me a home, an education, a place to meet my best friends — guys I’ll know for the rest of my life,” he told the student newspaper. CM Life.
After graduating with a degree in business, Lazzaro followed the lead of his father and grandfather and enlisted in the United States Army, eventually attaining the rank of sergeant.
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A celebration of life for Lazzaro will be held on Saturday, December 28th at Emerald Coast Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Lazzaro will then be buried with full military honors.
According to his obituaryLazzaro’s “commitment to his military career was evident in the professionalism and pride he brought to his role.”
“His service was characterized by bravery and determination to protect others, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers,” the obituary continued. “In addition to his military achievements, Thomas was known for his compassionate and jovial spirit, a personality that brought light and joy to all around him.”
Lazzaro is survived by his parents, Tom and Lisaand sister Lexie.
