TUCSON - Arizona senior offensive lineman Zach Hemmila was found dead this morning, Arizona Wildcats football coach Rich Rodriguez announced Monday.
UA athletic director Greg Byrne said Hemmila, 22, died in his sleep overnight. A cousin found him this morning. No other details were provided.
The Wildcats practiced Monday morning. The players were informed about Hemmila’s death at the conclusion of 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.”
Rodriguez said he had just spoken with Hemmila’s father, Joel.