Tommy Lazzaro, Former College QB, Dies at 27 in Hunting Accident

Former quarterback for Central Michigan University Tommy Lazzaro 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 indicate that he passed away in a hunting accident,” the university said, indicating that the incident occurred in Destin, Florida.
According to WILX-10, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed that the accident happened at Eglin Air Force Base in Walton County, Florida. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said all parties involved remain at the scene and are cooperating with the investigation.
The former athlete was serving as a member of the United States Army at the time of his death, a career path he chose after playing football at Central Michigan from 2016 to 2019.
“When we took over this program, Tommy was our leader in many ways,” said the former head coach at Central Michigan Jim McElwain said the statement. “CMU Football is blessed to have him and will always miss him for all he has done for so many of us. He will be missed by all Chippewas.”
Lazzaro played in 20 games during his tenure at Central Michigan, flourishing in the second half of the 2019 season when he earned 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 beautiful soul,” said the former CMU athletic director Michael Alford he told Detroit news. “I could not have met a better person who cares about others.”
In 2019, Lazzaro spoke about his university experience, both on and off the field.
“This place gave me a home, an education, a place to meet my best friends ― guys I will know for the rest of my life,” he told the student newspaper. CM Life.
After graduating with a degree in Entrepreneurship, Lazzaro followed the lead of his father and grandfather and joined the United States Army, eventually rising to the rank of sergeant.
A celebration of Lazzaro’s life will be held Saturday, December 28, at Emerald Coast Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Lazzaro will then be buried with full military honors.
According to his biography, “Lazzaro’s devotion to his military service was reflected in his professionalism and pride.”
“His service was characterized by bravery and commitment to protecting others, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers,” the obituary continued. “In addition to what he had accomplished in the war, Thomas was known for his spirit of compassion and joy, a personality that brought light and joy to everyone around him.”
Lazzaro left his parents, Tom again Lisaand sister, Lexie.
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