Ball State redshirt freshman Zachary Hollywood was found dead in his off-campus apartment on Tuesday. His death has been ruled a suicide. He was only 19 years old.
Ball State confirmed his death in an officially released statement on their website. Ball State basketball coach James Whitford had the following to say in light of the devastating news:
“Zach was a terrific young man with an incredibly bright future in front of him. His loss is a true tragedy for all those who knew and loved him.”
Hollywood appears to have been battling demons that were relatively unknown to those around him. The news of his suicide makes the last two things he posted via his Twitter handle particularly haunting.
Be careful what you say to everyone because you don't know what kind of battles they are going through
— Zachary Hollywood (@zachhollywood24) August 22, 2017
Just so everyone knows I did not cheat. If you want the truth ask tony or the police because they'll have my phone
— Zachary Hollywood (@zachhollywood24) August 22, 2017
The messages were posted within 15 minutes of each other in the early hours of the morning.
The university is making counselors available to those who need them. There has been an outpouring of support for Hollywood and a number of people, both friends and total strangers offering condolences to his family.
Hollywood was an only child, and his mother passed away last August.
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Photo Credit: Twitter