Tragic Accident Claims the Life of 27-Year-Old Former College Quarterback Thomas Lazzaro
Officials announced Thursday that a previous quarterback from Central Michigan University lost his life in a hunting mishap near Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
Thomas Anthony Lazzaro, 27, of Destin, Florida, was declared deceased at the location, as confirmed by Ashlee Sklute, a representative for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement.
“We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this challenging time,” Sklute stated in an email to NTD News.
The incident took place on December 22 at the Freeport range of the Eglin Air Force Base, leading to a coordinated response from multiple agencies. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) mentioned that they aided the FWC in the inquiry.
Lazzaro, born on June 15, 1997, had a remarkable collegiate football journey at Central Michigan University. Adam Jaksa, the TV and radio voice for the Chippewas, shared the news on social media, emphasizing Lazzaro’s significant contributions to the team.
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The Wildlife Management Area at Eglin Air Force Base, where Lazzaro was found, covers 464,000 acres across Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. According to the FWC website, this region is managed cooperatively with the U.S. Air Force and necessitates special permits for public access to the 250,000 acres that are conditionally open for recreational activities.
The area is recognized for its diverse wildlife and recreational options, including hunting, fishing, and hiking. It houses over 106 rare or listed plant and animal species and is known for containing the largest contiguous expanse of old-growth longleaf pine on the planet.
An obituary shared on the Eternal Rest blog celebrated Lazzaro, who also had military service, as “a cherished son, brother, and devoted serviceman,” with a life characterized by “unwavering commitment to his family, country, and community.”
A Celebration of Life for Lazzaro is set for Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM local time at Emerald Coast Funeral Home. He will be interred at Beal Memorial Cemetery with full military honors.
