What was Tommy Lazarro’s cause of death?

Tommy Lazzaro: CMU star, Army hero, gone too soon

Tommy Lazzaro, a former Central Michigan quarterback and U.S. Army Sergeant, died in a tragic hunting accident on December 22, 2024. He was on Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, helping a fellow soldier with car trouble, when a stray bullet from a hunter hit him. He was only 27.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed the details and noted that an investigation is ongoing. The news shook both his football and military communities. Colonel Patrick Nelson, commander of the 7th Special Forces Group, shared the loss in a statement: “We deeply mourn the loss of U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Lazzaro… His absence leaves a void that will be felt professionally and personally.”

A former college football star and military sergeant’s life has been tragically cut short. Read more on the passing of Tommy Lazzaro: https://t.co/uZJiuozhUG pic.twitter.com/IM7c4AEyFR
— E! News (@enews) December 27, 2024

Lazzaro’s funeral is set for December 28 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, with full military honors. His family has requested donations to the Green Beret Foundation in his memory.

Tommy Lazarro’s career in football

Tommy Lazzaro made a name for himself in football before he joined the military. He was a dual-threat quarterback at Central Michigan University from 2016 to 2019, where he played 20 games and started five. Over four seasons, he passed for 758 yards, five touchdowns, and rushed for 542 yards with 11 touchdowns. Not bad, right?

His senior year, he earned the Kurt Dobronski Award, a recognition for players who show intense effort and commitment to the program. One of his standout games was in 2018 against Ball State, where he racked up 237 yards and two touchdowns.

We at Hustle Belt would like to send our thoughts and prayers to former CMU quarterback Tommy Lazzaro and his loved ones.

Tommy, who retired from football to join the military after four seasons in Mt. Pleasant, has passed away at 27 years old. https://t.co/Q3QmQL6tGy pic.twitter.com/Jzm9PDd6Ch
— Hustle Belt (@HustleBelt) December 25, 2024

Jim McElwain, his coach during his final season, praised his leadership: “When we took over the program, Tommy was truly our leader in so many ways.” Football wasn’t just a sport for him; it was part of his identity.

Before Central Michigan, Lazzaro played for Dodge City Community College in Kansas, where he threw for over 2,200 yards, 14 touchdowns, and added five rushing scores.

From football to military service

After college, Lazzaro chose a path that reflected his family legacy. Both his father and grandfather served in the U.S. Army, and he followed suit. He earned a direct contract into the U.S. Army Special Forces, joining the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group.

Lazzaro played a key role in organizing 32 live-fire exercises, 10 of them in collaboration with Ecuadorian commandos. He also helped design and lead three major training programs across the U.S.

Colonel Patrick Nelson’s words captured his impact: “We will never forget his dedication, courage, and commitment to safeguarding our freedoms.”

Image: Imagn Images

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Natasha Bose

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