PULLMAN -- Tyler Hilinski, the hero of Washington State's dramatic overtime win over Boise State and the heir-apparent to Luke Falk, has passed away. The third-year sophomore from Claremont, Calif., took his own life Tuesday, Cougfan.com has confirmed through multiple sources. He was 21.

The Pullman Police Department issued an official confirmation moments after this story went live. They say he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, found in his apartment at the Aspen complex next to a rifle and a suicide note.

"Shock and sadness is about the only way to describe the reaction here," said one source who requested anonymity. "He was a great, great young man."

Two teammates went to his apartment when he didn't show up for a workout and discovered the body.

Tuesday evening Tyler's younger brother Ryan also tweeted out the following message asking for support for his family at this time.

Please keep my family in your prayers tonight. — Big Bo (@ryan_hilinski) January 17, 2018

WSU Mike Leach released a statement Tuesday night: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Tyler’s passing. He was an incredible young man and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him was better for it. The entire WSU community mourns as thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Former WSU cornerback Patrick Porter first tweeted out the heartbreaking news on his Twitter account and hundreds followed as friends, teammates and fans shared memories and sorrow.

#RIP3 Man this one hurt.. Prayers Out To The Hilinski Family We Lost a Great Young Man. Love You Ty Bro Smh ???????? — RichP_1K (@Pat_Porter11) January 17, 2018

UCLA linebacker Josh Woods, a teammate of Hilinski's at Upland High, also took to Twitter.

I feel so sick right now and wish I would have stayed closer to you after high school. RIP Tyler Hilinski. Love you bro ???? pic.twitter.com/JjupcGgwAG — Josh Woods ?? (@_WOODSY_J) January 17, 2018

The press conference scheduled for Wednesday announcing Patrick Chun as WSU's new AD has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date, WSU said in a statement.