Washington State redshirt senior safety Bryce Beekman died Tuesday night in Pullman, Wash. He was 22.
The cause of death and other details were not immediately available.
According to reports, police responded to a call about “breathing problems” at Beekman’s apartment and found him dead. There were no signs of foul play, Pullman Police Commander Jake Opgenorth told The Spokesman Review.
“We are in shock with the news of Bryce’s passing,” Washington State athletic director Pat Chun said in a statement Wednesday. “Bryce was a tremendous young man, great teammate, and will be missed by all. We send our deepest condolences and prayers to the Beekman family and his many friends.”
Beekman started 13 games for the Cougars in 2019 after transferring from Arizona Western College in Yuma, Ariz. He had one year of eligibility remaining.
He finished fifth on the team with 60 tackles and added two pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception. He had eight tackles and one tackle for loss against Air Force in the Cheez-It Bowl on Dec. 27.
New Washington State coach Nick Rolovich, who replaced Mike Leach in January, informed the team of Beekman’s passing on Tuesday night.
“My relationship with Bryce was still in its early stages, but I knew him to be a wonderful young man,” Rolovich said. “He was always positive and well respected amongst his teammates. My heart goes out to his family and friends.”
