Ball State basketball player Zach Hollywood found dead

MUNCIE, Ind. (WISH) — A sophomore Ball State University basketball player was found dead in his apartment of a suicide, authorities said.

Zachary “Zach” Hollywood was discovered just before 1 p.m. Tuesday at his dwelling at Varsity House Apartments, off McGalliard Road west of Wheeling Avenue, said Delaware County Coroner Scott Hahn. The death, a suicide, did not appear suspicious, the coroner said. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.

He was 19.

Muncie police are investigating, said Kathy Wolfe, the university’s vice president for marketing and communications.

She read a prepared statement by phone to 24-Hour News 8:

“On behalf of Ball State University, it is with profound sadness that we learned today of the passing of Zachary ‘Zach’ Hollywood, a student from Bradley, Illinois. Zach has been a part of our community for the past year. During his time on campus, he was a member of the men’s basketball team and made many positive impressions throughout campus. This is a tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and teammates. For members of our Ball State family who need support, we encourage them to take advantage of the numerous resources available on- and off-campus.'”

Classes started Monday at Ball State.

Wolfe said the news was shared with the Cardinals men’s basketball coach James Whitford.

Hollywood reshirted in his first season at Ball State and served as a member of the practice squad, according to Ball State athletic information. The 6-foot-9 center had come to Ball State from Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School in Bradley, Illinois, where he averaged 17.5 points per game and 7.8 rebounds a game as a senior.

A special education major, Hollywood was the son of Scott and Susan Hollywood of Bourbonnais. His mother died Aug. 1, 2016. “Her life revolved around sports and she was her son’s biggest sports fan,” her obituary said.

His father played college basketball at Youngstown State.

Teammates reacted to the death:

Not just a teammate but my best friend and my brother .. I love you bro , watch over me ???????? https://t.co/tHtUUpIi1n– My names Trey nd I have a basketball game tomorrow (@treymoses32) August 22, 2017

Words can’t even explain how hurt I am to lose a teammate, a friend, a brother! We love you HollyWood! You will always be apart of us Zach☝????- Jay (@worldboy_22) August 22, 2017

We love you Hollywood!! We got you forever!!! We gonna miss you, but we already know you are gonna be right there with us! As we get this ????- Tayler Persons (@TaylerPersons8) August 22, 2017

Life won’t be the same- YoungTahjFromTheCreek???? (@leroyohboy) August 22, 2017

Hollywood We Love You Bro ????⚪️ We will always remember you ‼️‼️ Rest In Peace Brother ????❤️❤️- Ishh El-Amin™ (@TheNextElAmin) August 22, 2017

It don’t even feel real- Ishh El-Amin™ (@TheNextElAmin) August 22, 2017

Indiana University coach Archie Miller also reacted on Twitter:

Thinking about the Ball State Basketball Program. Everyone please keep them in your prayers!- Arch Miller (@Archie_Miller) August 23, 2017

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