Washington State football player Bryce Beekman passes away at 22

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 13: Bryce Beekman #26 of the Washington State Cougars forces Marquez Stevenson #5 of the Houston Cougars to fumble the ball in the fourth quarter during the Advocare Texas Kickoof at NRG Stadium on September 13, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 13: Bryce Beekman #26 of the Washington State Cougars forces Marquez Stevenson #5 of the Houston Cougars to fumble the ball in the fourth quarter during the Advocare Texas Kickoof at NRG Stadium on September 13, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Washington State safety Bryce Beekman has passed away. He was only 22.

Heartbreaking news out of Pullman this morning as Washington State football player Bryce Beekman has passed away at the age of 22. He was found at a residence in Pullman, according to police.

The rising junior started every game last year as a junior and was expected to play a big role on defense this year for the Cougars. Beekman had 60 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two pass deflections from his free safety position. One of the biggest plays of his season came during Wazzu’s comeback win against Oregon State when he got his interception.

“There aren’t a lot of details I can provide at this time, but I can confirm the death of Bryce Beekman,” Pullman Police Commander Jake Opgenorth told 247Sports’ Washington State team site. “Any further details will be released by the Whitman County Coroner’s Office.”

This marks the second time in as many years that Washington State football has lost one of its own. Quarterback Tyler Hilinski passed away by suicide in January of 2018. Hilinski’s Hope was founded in the aftermath by the Hilinski family to help raise awareness for mental health issues, especially on college campuses.

Washington State released a statement:

Beekman’s teammates expressed their condolences on Twitter late Tuesday night and into Wednesday as news of his passing circulated.

https://twitter.com/liamryan63/status/1242689856771260417

https://twitter.com/EasopWinston/status/1242704962288640000

Fans of Washington State football shared their sympathies after hearing the news.

https://twitter.com/EtherDash/status/1242829439487991809?s=20

https://twitter.com/mamma_aims/status/1242829886697484288?s=20

https://twitter.com/KevinMolton1/status/1242820457348263936?s=20

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health please visit MentalHealth.gov for more resources and help.

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