A former Central Michigan University quarterback was killed in a hunting accident near Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, officials said Thursday.
Thomas Anthony Lazzaro, 27, of Destin, Florida, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Ashlee Sklute, a spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time,” Sklute said in an email to NTD News.
The incident occurred on Dec. 22 at the Eglin Air Force Base range in Freeport, prompting a multi-agency response. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) reported that they assisted the FWC in the investigation.
“Early evidence gathered indicates a tragic hunting accident,” the WCSO stated in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “All parties believed to be involved remained on scene and are cooperating with the investigation.”
Lazzaro, born June 15, 1997, had a notable college football career at Central Michigan University. Adam Jaksa, the TV and radio voice for Central Michigan University’s Chippewas, shared the news on social media, highlighting Lazzaro’s contributions to the team.
“He was a key part in CMU’s 2019 turnaround year that led them to the MAC title game, where he scored 2 TD’s,” Jaksa wrote on X.
The Eglin Air Force Base Wildlife Management Area, where Lazarro was found, spans 464,000 acres across Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. According to the FWC website, the area is managed in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force and requires special permits for public access to the 250,000 acres conditionally open for recreation.
The management area is known for a wide array of wildlife and recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, and hiking. It is home to more than 106 rare or listed plant and animal species and boasts the largest contiguous acreage of old-growth longleaf pine in the world.
An obituary posted on the Eternal Rest blog described Lazarro, who also served in the military, as “a beloved son, brother, and dedicated serviceman” whose life “was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his family, his country, and his community.”
A Celebration of Life for Lazzaro is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM local time at Emerald Coast Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at Beal Memorial Cemetery with full military honors.
The FWC stated that the investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released when available. News reports allege Lazarro was visiting the area to help a friend whose vehicle was stuck. The FWC couldn’t confirm this information to NTD News, citing an ongoing investigation.