Lazzaro, 27, tragically lost his life in what the Walton County Sheriff’s Office described as “a hunting accident” at Eglin Air Force Base. According to TaskandPurpose.com, Lazzaro, an Army veteran who served in the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) after graduating from Central Michigan University, was struck by a bullet fired by a hunter at the range.
Col. Patrick Nelson, commander of the 7th SFG(A), expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Sgt. Thomas Lazzaro, stating, “We will always remember his dedication, courage, and commitment to protecting our freedoms. His absence will create a significant void for those who had the privilege of working alongside him. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers during this difficult period.”
Central Michigan University confirmed Lazzaro’s death on Thursday.
Former Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain shared, “When we took over the program, Tommy truly was our leader in many respects. CMU Football was fortunate to have him, and we will always remember his contributions. He will be greatly missed by the Chippewa community.”
During his tenure with the Chippewas from 2016 to 2019, Lazzaro played in 20 games, starting five. He completed 72 of 149 passes for 758 yards, marking five touchdowns against ten interceptions, and amassed 542 rushing yards with 11 touchdowns on 133 carries. In his final season, he played a key role in turning the team’s record from 1-11 in 2018 to 8-6, including appearances in the MAC Championship Game and the New Mexico Bowl.
A memorial service for Lazzaro will be held this Saturday afternoon at Emerald Coast Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lazzaro’s friends, family, and former teammates during this challenging time.
