Former CMU QB Thomas “Tommy” Anthony Lazzaro Shot By Stray Bullet In Hunting Accident: Parents Thomas And Lisa Mourns His Loss

Tommy Lazzaro, who used to play quarterback for Central Michigan University, sadly passed away in a hunting accident on December 22.

Sgt. Thomas Lazzaro, a member of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), tragically died on December 22 after being struck by a stray bullet.

The bullet was fired by a hunter shooting on the Eglin range, a well-known hunting spot.

A spokesperson for the 7th Special Forces Group confirmed Lazzaro’s death at the age of 27.

The spokesperson explained that Lazzaro was on his way to the range to assist a fellow soldier whose car had broken down.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and called the incident a “tragic hunting accident.”

Lazzaro played four seasons with the Central Michigan Chippewas and set his personal best for passing yards with 153 during a game against Michigan State in East Lansing in 2018.

After finishing his football career, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, working his way up to Sergeant.

Tommy Lazzaro’s Parents, Thomas, And Lisa Lazzaro, Was Proud Of Their Son As A Former QB And The US Army

Tommy grew up in Colorado Springs and went to Pine Creek High School, where he was notable for his strong academics and athletic skills.

He was a crucial Pine Creek football team player that won the Colorado State Championship in 2013 and 2014.

After high school, Tommy went to Central Michigan University, where he played as the starting quarterback.

He earned a business degree and helped lead CMU to the MAC Championship 2019.

After graduating, Tommy enlisted in the Army with a special contract to join the Special Forces.

His father, Thomas Lazzaro, and grandfather both served in the Army, as mentioned in a statement from Central Michigan University.

Thomas Lazzaro, originally from Hialeah, Florida, is a former student who attended the University of Florida.

He graduated from Hialeah High School before furthering his education at the University of Florida.

In 2019, Tom Lazzaro shared a bittersweet message about his son, Tommy.

He expressed his pride in his son as he prepared for his bowl game. While excited to see him play on a national stage, he also felt sadness, knowing it would be the last time watching him play football before going for the army.

Similarly, Lisa Lazzaro, mother of Tommy Lazzaro, who hails from Colorado Springs, works at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital.

She studied at Hinds Community College and graduated from Wingfield High School.

Tommy Lazzaro Wife-To-Be Kaley Lynch Mourns His Loss Privately

His military training included Basic Airborne School, the Special Forces Qualification Course, where he trained as a Weapons Sergeant, the Manned Portable Stinger Missile Operator Course, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Further, he played a key role in helping his unit complete over 32 live-fire exercises, including 10 joint operations with Ecuadorian Commandos and elite police forces.

Tommy also helped organize and lead primary training missions nationwide, including a challenging 100-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail in just four days.

Outside of his military achievements, he was remembered for his kindness, humility, and deep love for his family and his fiancée, Kaley Lynch.

His loss has left a deep hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Additional Information

• A funeral for Tommy Lazzaro will take place on December 28 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
• He will be laid to rest with full military honors, as confirmed by Central Michigan University.
• In his senior year, Tommy’s teammates chose him to receive the Kurt Dobronski Award, an honor given to a player who shows outstanding effort, intensity, and a deep appreciation for the program.