Tommy Lazzaro, a former quarterback for Central Michigan University and a Special Forces soldier, tragically passed away at the age of 27. The incident occurred at a hunting location in Eglin Air Force Base in Walton County, Florida, where Lazzaro was struck by a stray round from another hunter on Sunday, Dec. 22. Task & Purpose reported that Lazzaro had been assisting a fellow soldier with car trouble at the time of the accident.
In a statement to the press, Col. Patrick Nelson, commander of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), expressed deep sorrow over the loss of U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Lazzaro. He praised Lazzaro’s dedication, courage, and commitment to defending the nation’s freedoms, acknowledging the significant impact his absence would have on both his professional colleagues and personal acquaintances. The heartfelt condolences of the 7th SFG(A) extended to Lazzaro’s family, friends, and comrades during this challenging period.
Before his service with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Lazzaro had enjoyed success as a standout football player, achieving victory in the Colorado State Championship in 2013 and 2014 with the Pine Creek High School team. His accomplishments were highlighted by the Emerald Coast Funeral Home. Subsequently, Lazzaro pursued his passion for football at Central Michigan University, where he played as a starting quarterback while pursuing a degree in business. Lazzaro’s contributions to the Chippewas were remembered with gratitude by former head coach Jim McElwain, who described him as a pivotal leader within the program.
The legacy of military service ran deep in Lazzaro’s family, with both his father and grandfather having served in the army. Following in their footsteps, Lazzaro enlisted directly into the Special Forces after graduating from university. The funeral tribute underlined his pivotal role within his Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) unit, highlighting his involvement in organizing and executing numerous live-fire exercises, including joint operations with Ecuadorian Commandos and Tier 1 police forces. Lazzaro’s dedication was further evidenced by his role in coordinating major training exercises across the country.
Lazzaro is survived by his parents, Thomas A. Lazzaro III and Lisa A. Lazzaro, his sister Lexie Lazzaro, and his fiancée Kaley Lynch, as detailed in the funeral tribute. A service to celebrate his life is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 28 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where Lazzaro will be laid to rest with full military honors. The news of Lazzaro’s passing resonated deeply within the community, with many expressing their condolences and memories of the impact he had made during his time at Central Michigan University and in the armed forces.
