"Prayers to his family. Very sad.": CFB world mourns the loss of 27-year-old former Central Michigan QB Tommy Lazzaro

Fans are mourning the loss of the former Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Thomas "Tommy" Lazzaro. Task & Purpose's Nicholas Slayton reported on Thursday that Lazzaro, 27, was killed on Sunday after getting struck by a stray bullet from a hunter at the Elgin Range at the Elgin Air Force Base in Freeport, Florida.

After graduating from Central Michigan in December 2019, Lazzaro joined the United States Army, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. In a statement following his death, Central Michigan shared that the former quarterback graduated with a degree in entrepreneurship. Lazzaro became a sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

Slayton said that Lazzaro traveled to Elgin Range to help a friend with car issues. WMBB reported on Sunday that the Walton County Sheriff said early evidence indicated it was a hunting accident, but the investigation is still ongoing.

Col. Patrick Nelson, 7th Special Forces Group(A) commander, told Task & Purpose that the Army was mourning the loss of Lazzaro and would never forget him.

"We will never forget his dedication, courage, and commitment to safeguarding our freedom. His absence leaves a void that will be felt professionally and personally among those who had the honor of working with Thomas. Our heartfelt condolences extend to his family, friends, and comrades during this difficult time," Nelson said, per Slayton.

Fans have spoken out on social media to honor the former soldier and quarterback.

"Prayers to his family. Very sad.," a fan wrote.

"What a sad story...," another fan wrote.

"That's heartbreaking news. Sending condolences and thoughts to his family," a fan replied.

Here are other comments and reactions from several other fans:

"Sad," a fourth fan commented.

"OMG," a fan replied.

"So sad with a disappointed emoji," a fan wrote.

Tommy Lazzaro's college football career in Central Michigan

Lazzaro played for four seasons with Central Michigan from 2016 to 2019. He didn't get to play much in the 2016 and 2017 seasons, as he was a backup quarterback. The former sergeant played a bigger role in the team's offense the following year. He ended the 2018 season by completing 68 passes for 711 yards and five touchdowns.

In his last season, Lazzaro didn't have a strong passing year as he played behind former quarterback Quinten Dormady, but he helped his team by running the football. He finished with 33 carries for 156 yards and eight touchdowns the season.

Lazzaro also performed well in Central Michigan's 49-7 victory over the Toledo Rockets in the Marathon Mid-American Conference Championship on Nov. 29, 2019. He had five carries for 32 yards and two touchdowns. Chippewas lost their last two games that year to the Miami (OH) Redhawks and the San Diego State Aztecs.

His obituary shares that he is survived by his parents, Thomas Lazzaro III and Lisa Lazzaro, his sister, Lexi Lazzaro, and his fiancee, Kaley Lynch.