Arizona lineman Hemmila found dead on Monday morning
University of Arizona offensive lineman Zach Hemmila was found dead Monday morning, a tearful coach Rich Rodriguez announced following the team's morning practice.
Rodriguez said he had no details surrounding the cause of death.
"We lost a great young man, and everybody in our program is hurt" he said.
Hemmila, 22, a senior from Chandler, started six games at guard last season and was considered the leading candidate to start at center this year.
Rodriguez said his body was found by a cousin on Monday morning.
He said had a lengthy conversation with Hemmila on Saturday night.
"Just out of the blue, just came down and sat beside me and talked for about 45 minutes about everything," Rodriguez said. "How happy he was."
Rodriguez said he notified the team after the morning practice. Athletic director Greg Byrne said grief counselors were being made available to the team.
"We're just so deeply saddened," Byrne said. "Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, the team, his teammates, the coaches and everybody involved."
Many of Hemmila's teammates took to social media to express their grief, using the hashtag #Forever65.
Rest in peace big dawg...... #forever65 pic.twitter.com/4ryenhqCV6
— Scooby Wright III (@TwoStarScoob) August 8, 2016
Please pray for the Hemmila family. We will miss you Zach. #Forever65
— Rod Smith (@BearDownRSmith) August 8, 2016
The world lost a great person today. I love & miss you, brother. #Forever65 ?? @hemmila65 pic.twitter.com/L3fkomp8pl
— Chase Gorham (@Cha_cho50) August 8, 2016
Words can't express the sadness right now!! Thoughts and prayers to the Hemmila family!! #Forever65 pic.twitter.com/BMVhGhoi7x
— Charlie Ragle (@RagleCharlie) August 8, 2016
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Zach Hemila. Rest easy Zach forever my brother! #Forever65
— Reggie Gilbert (@reggiegilbert84) August 8, 2016
I Love you bro ❤️ #Forever65
— Paul Magloire (@P_MAGLOIRE) August 8, 2016