Zach Hemmila, an offensive lineman on the University of Arizona football team, has died at age 22.
Hemmila was found dead in his sleep Monday morning, according to Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez, who fought back tears while speaking with reporters.
“The only thought on my mind right now is with Zach Hemmila’s family,” Rodriguez said Monday. “We lost a great young man. Everybody in our program is hurting.”
It’s only known that Hemmila died in his sleep overnight and that a cousin found him. No other details have been revealed. Rodriguez said he last saw Hemmila after a team meeting Sunday night and that he talked with him for about 45 minutes Saturday night, according to the Arizona Daily Star.
Hemmila was a fifth-year senior who figured to be Arizona’s starting center this season. He started six games at left guard last season.
Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images
