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Former Central Michigan quarterback and Army Sgt. Tommy Lazzaro died at the age of 27 following a hunting accident at an Air Force base in Florida on Sunday (December 22), according to CMUChippewas.com.
Lazzaro made five starts and appeared in 20 games during his tenure at Central Michigan from 2016 to 2019 under former head coach John Bonamego (2016-18) and recently retired head coach Jim McElwain, which included one of the program's best one-year turnarounds, an 8-6 (6-2 MAC) season culminating in MAC Championship Game and New Mexico Bowl appearances in 2019.
"When we took over the program, Tommy was truly our leader in so many ways," McElwain said via CMUChippewas.com. "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."
Lazzaro threw for 758 yards, five touchdowns and 10 interceptions on 72 of 149 passing, while also recording 542 yards and 11 touchdowns on 133 rushing attempts. The Colorado native enlisted in the United States Army after college and was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), according to his Emerald Coast Funeral Home obituary.
"Tommy’s unwavering commitment to excellence earned him numerous accolades and the admiration of all who served with him. Beyond his professional achievements, he was known for his humility, kindness, and love for his family and fiancée, Kaley Lynch," the obituary states.