LA VERNE, Calif. -- The Washington State football team and staff members joined Tyler Hilinski's family and friends in paying their final respects to the Cougars quarterback Saturday.
Approximately 800 people gathered in the gymnasium at Damien High School as Hilinski was remembered for his kindness, infectious laugh and knack for making others happy.
Hilinski, 21, took his own life Jan. 16, leaving his loved ones with more questions than answers. There wasn't a sense of optimism that a clear reason will ever emerge.
But the consensus those close to him have reached is that they all knew the same person: a loyal, generous, caring individual who prioritized the happiness of those around him.