Former Quarterback Tommy Lazzaro tragically took his last breath in a hunting accident in Walton County, Florida, on December 22 at the age of 27.
He is survived by his parents, Thomas A. Lazzaro III and Lisa A. Lazzaro, his fiancée, Kaley Lynch, and his sister, Lexie Lazzaro.
The authorities pronounced Tommy Lazzaro dead at the scene after the accident took place at Eglin Air Force Base.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Central Michigan University confirmed the heartbreaking news on Sunday.
Many fans are grieving with Tommy Lazzaro’s family and teammates, expressing their sorrow and heartbreak.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones as they navigate this difficult and emotional time.
Tommy Lazzaro Died on Eglin Air Force Base in Florida After Getting Struck by a Stray Bullet in a Hunting Accident!
The former Central Michigan QB Tommy Lazzaro, known as “Touchdown Tommy,” tragically died at the Eglin range on Eglin Air Force Base in Freeport, Florida, after a hunter struck him with a bullet.
Authorities explained that Lazzaro, a member of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, was on his way to the range to assist a fellow soldier experiencing car trouble when the incident occurred.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were among the agencies that responded to the scene.
.@cmu_football, @cmuathletics, @CMUniversity mourns the loss of former football player Tommy Lazzaro…
— CMU Football (@CMU_Football) December 26, 2024
📰 https://t.co/f8kFVAZGSQ
Tribute: https://t.co/yCyEMLbYW9#FireUpChips pic.twitter.com/xAmv9cpSEn
Tommy was a dedicated Central Michigan football team member from 2016 to 2019 before pursuing a service career by enlisting in the United States Army after graduating.
The former football player honored his family’s legacy by following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and enlisting in the Army.
During his tenure with the team, Tommy stood out on the field, consistently showcasing his exceptional skills and performance.
The university even honored him with the Kurt Dobronski Award for his dedication and performance in the program.
Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain expressed his admiration for Tommy in a heartfelt statement, saying:
When we took over the program, Tommy was truly our leader in so many ways, 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.
His former teammates on the team are mourning his loss. Former CMU athletic director Michael Alford also released a statement reminiscing about Tommy’s positive influence on others.
He was a great soul, Couldn’t have met a better person who cared about others
Further, Col. Patrick Nelson, 7th SFG (A) commander, paid his condolences in a statement saying:
We deeply mourn the loss of U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Lazzaro of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 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.
Tommy is survived by his parents, Tom and Lisa Lazzaro, and his sister, Lexie Lazzaro.
His family is mourning his tragic loss, and they have not yet released a public statement, choosing to grieve privately during this difficult time.
Tommy’s family and friends will honor his memory with a celebration of life in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Tommy Lazzaro led the Chippewas to a Mid-American Conference West Division title and scored two touchdowns in the MAC Championship game at Ford Field in 2019.
- Over his short college football career, he amassed 542 yards and 11 touchdowns from 133 carries on the ground and 758 yards and five touchdowns from passing.
- Tommy attended the Dodge City Community College before transferring to Central Michigan University.
- The former footballer served as a sergeant in the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in the U.S. Army.
