WSU quarterback Tyler Hilinski

Tyler Hilinski, the Washington State University quarterback who took his own life early this year, was suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, his parents told the “Today Show.” The family has started a foundation aimed at improving the mental health of student athletes.

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Tue., June 26, 2018

In this Sept. 9, 2017 file photo, Washington State Cougars quarterback Tyler Hilinski (3) is mobbed by teammates after WSU defeated Boise State in triple overtime on at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash.

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Tyler Tjomsland’s photo of WSU’s Tyler Hilinski won a first place in Metro Sports. Washington State Cougars quarterback Tyler Hilinski (3) is mobbed by teammates after WSU defeated Boise State in triple overtime on Saturday, September 9, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash.

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In this Dec. 28, 2017 file photo, Washington State Cougars quarterback Tyler Hilinski (3) is hit as he releases the ball during the second half of the 2017 Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego, Calif. Michigan State won the game 42-17.

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In this Dec. 28, 2017 file photo, Washington State Cougars quarterback Tyler Hilinski (3) throws against Michigan State during the first half of the 2017 Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego, Calif.

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Washington State Cougars quarterback Tyler Hilinski (3) looks for an open teammate against Michigan State during the first half of the 2017 Holiday Bowl Thursday, December 28, 2017, at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego, Calif.

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In this Dec. 28, 2017 file photo, Washington State Cougars quarterbacks Luke Falk (4) and Tyler Hilinski (3) warm up before the first half of the 2017 Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego, Calif.

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In this Dec. 28, 2017 file photo, Washington State Cougars quarterback Tyler Hilinski (3) and head coach Mike Leach watch as their defense battles Michigan State during the second half of the 2017 Holiday Bowlat SDCCU Stadium in San Diego, Calif.

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In this Oct. 15, 2017 file photo, Washington State Cougars quarterbacks Tyler Hilinski (3) and Luke Falk (4) chat with Arizona Wildcats quarterback Brandon Dawkins (13) after the second half of a college football game at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash.

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In this Jan 17, 2018 file photo, hats and other memorabilia are seen at the memorial site for Tyler Hilinski outside Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash.

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In this Jan. 17, 2018 file photo, flowers, photographs and candles are seen at the memorial site for Tyler Hilinski around the Cougar Pride statue outside Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash.

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