A former Central Michigan quarterback has died in a hunting accident at an Air Force base in Florida.
Tommy Lazarus, affectionately known as “Touchdown Tommy,” passed away after a tragic incident in Florida on Sunday. Presented by Central Michigan University.
He was 27 years old.
He was a member of the Central Michigan football team from 2016 to 2019, leading the team to a MAC title game appearance in 2019.
After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.
Lazarus' tragic death occurred when he was struck by a stray bullet fired by a hunter at the Eglin Shooting Range at Eglin Air Force Base in Freeport, Florida. Military news site “Mission and Purpose'' reported..
Lazarus, a member of the 7th Special Forces Group's 2nd Battalion, was on his way to the firing range to help a fellow soldier who had car trouble, a 7th Special Forces Group spokesperson told the magazine. told.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including the Walton County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
What happened has been described as a “tragic hunting accident”. WMBB reported.
Lazarus played in 20 games during his career at Central Michigan and started five games for the Chippewas, completing 72 passes for 758 yards and five touchdowns.
He had 542 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns on 133 attempts.
“Tommy was a true leader in many ways when we took over the program,” head coach Jim McElwain, who took over the program in 2019, said in a statement. “CMU football is fortunate to have him and will always remember all he did for so many of us. He will be missed by all of the Chippewa Nation.”
Before arriving at Central Michigan, Lazarus played one year at Dodge City Community College, rushing for 2,237 yards and 14 touchdowns as the team went 9-3.
During the 2019 MAC Championship. Getty Images
He followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather into the army, reaching the rank of sergeant at the time of his death.
“We deeply mourn the loss of U.S. Army Sergeant Thomas Lazarus, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne),” Col. Patrick Nelson, 7th SFG(A) commander, told Task & Purpose. “His dedication, courage and commitment to defending our freedoms will never be forgotten. His absence will be felt both professionally and personally among those who had the honor of working with Thomas.” He will leave a huge void. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and comrades at this difficult time.”
A Lazarus service will be held Saturday in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
