Former Chandler Wolf, Arizona Lineman Hemmila Passes Away

(Photo Courtesy: Scout.com)

Arizona head football coach Rich Rodriguez announced on Monday morning that senior offensive lineman Zach Hemmila passed away in his sleep. Alongside athletic director Greg Byrne, a tearful Rodriguez told reporters he notified the team at the end of Monday’s practice.

Byrne and Rodriguez did not provide any further details.

Hemmila was a local product, playing for Chandler High School and head coach Shaun Aguano.

“I loved his smile and his quirkiness. His parents are huge supporters of our football team, and I feel incredibly horrible for them,” Aguano told Sports360AZ. “I’m hurting right now because a piece of our family is gone, and one of my babies passed away too early.”

“I know his teammates and family are hurting but he’s in a good place right now, so we want to keep him in our prayers.”

Rodriguez and Byrne address the media on Hemmila’s passing here (video courtesy of AZ Desert Swarm):