Washington State Redshirt Senior Bryce Beekman Dies at 22

Washington State defensive back Bryce Beekman was found dead at his Pullman residence Tuesday night, according to police.

Washington State redshirt senior defensive back Bryce Beekman died Tuesday night at the age of 22 in Pullman, Wash., according to police commander Jake Opgenorth. 

Opgenorth said Beekman was found dead at his residence in Pullman after an officer responded to a call for help involving “breathing problems," according to the Associated Press. Further details on Beekman's death are expected to be provided later by the Whitman County coroner’s office, The Spokesman-Review reports.

Head coach Nick Rolovich informed the team of the news Tuesday night. 

"My relationship with Bryce was still in its early stages, but I knew him to be a wonderful young man," Rolovich said in a statement. "He was always positive and well respected amongst his teammates. My heart goes out to his family and friends."

Beekman spent 2019 with Washington State after transferring from Arizona Western College. In the season, Beekman totaled 60 tackles and one interception as Washington State finished fifth in the Pac-12 North with a 6-7 record. 

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun released a statement on Beekman's death Wednesday afternoon.

“We are in shock with the news of Bryce’s passing,” Chun said. “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.”

After news broke of Beekman's death late Tuesday night, his teammates took to social media to express their condolences and memories. 

"Fly High," Washington State wide receiver Renard Bell tweeted. "Forever My Dawg."

“Cherish your loved ones, offensive lineman Liam Ryan added. "Every second matters."

On Tuesday morning, Washington State coach Nick Rolovich said in a conference call that most of the players had stayed in their hometowns following spring break amid the coronavirus outbreak. Spring workouts were originally scheduled to begin Friday in Pullman before they were postponed due to the pandemic.

Beekman, a Baton Rouge, La. native, seemed to have been home on March 14 to support his brother Reece at Scotlandville Magnet High School in Louisiana. Beekman congratulated Reece and posted a photo of his brother holding an Outstanding Player trophy from his basketball team's Division I championship game. 

4 peat!! 🏆🏆🏆🏆Mane I’m proud of ya lil brotha! Know dat imma boost you up and always have yo back more than yo spine do. All glory to God for blessing you wit 4 state championships, forever grateful🙏🏽 Love Lil brotha🖤🤝 @reece_beekman pic.twitter.com/PTjySYJ9WC

— Bryce Beekman (@BeekmanBryce) March 15, 2020

In January 2018, Washington State dealt with the death of Tyler Hilinski after the quarterback committed suicide. 

Information from the Associated Press contributed to this article.