Arizona senior offensive lineman Zach Hemmila was found dead Monday morning, head coach Rich Rodriguez announced during his press conference.
University of Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne confirmed that Hemmila, 22, passed away in his sleep overnight and was found by his cousin the next morning. No further details have yet to be released.
The Wildcats players were informed of Hemmila’s passing during the end of Monday’s practice.
“The only thought on my mind right now is with Zach Hemmila’s family,” Rodriguez said, fighting back tears. “We lost a great young man. Everybody in our program is hurting.”
“As Coach said, he’s a great young man,” Byrne said. “We’re just so deeply saddened. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, the team, his teammates, the coaches and everybody involved.”
Jason covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
