Remembering Sgt. Tommy Lazzaro: A dedicated soldier, athlete, and leader who touched countless lives with his courage and kindness.
In a tragic incident on December 22, 2024, U.S. Army Sergeant Thomas “Tommy” Lazzaro, a member of 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), was fatally struck by a stray bullet during a hunting accident at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
A Promising Athlete Turned Soldier
Prior to his military career, Tommy Lazzaro had a memorable football career at Central Michigan University (CMU) from 2016 to 2019, making a significant impact as a quarterback. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, Lazzaro played in 20 games and started five of them during his time with the Chippewas. Known for his dual-threat abilities, he rushed for 542 yards and 11 touchdowns on 133 carries while also passing for 758 yards and 5 touchdowns, contributing to a total of 16 touchdowns throughout his career.
One of his standout performances came on October 13, 2018, against Ball State, when he racked up 237 total yards, including 110 rushing yards on 25 carries and 127 passing yards with 11 completions out of 22 attempts. A few weeks earlier, on September 29, 2018, he had a career-best passing game against Michigan State, completing 19 passes for 153 yards. Another highlight came in a game against Buffalo on October 6, 2018, where Lazzaro rushed for 102 yards, becoming the first CMU quarterback since Dan LeFevour in 2009 to surpass 100 rushing yards in a game.
Lazzaro played a pivotal role in CMU’s impressive one-year turnaround during his senior season in 2019. The team finished with an 8-6 overall record and a 6-2 record in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), earning a berth in the MAC Championship game and an appearance in the New Mexico Bowl. His leadership and dedication did not go unnoticed, as his teammates selected him to receive the Kurt Dobronski Award, an honor given to the player who demonstrates outstanding effort, intensity, and appreciation for the program.
Fondly nicknamed “Touchdown Tommy,” Lazzaro left a lasting legacy at CMU. His coaches and teammates remember him as a true leader and competitor who brought passion and determination to the field every game.
Transition to Military Service
After graduating from CMU with a business degree in December 2019, Lazzaro initially took a job in sales in his home state of Colorado. However, the work left him feeling unfulfilled, particularly during the isolating days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lazzaro missed the camaraderie and sense of purpose he had experienced during his football career. Determined to find a more meaningful path, he decided to enlist in the United States Army, following the legacy of his father and grandfather.
Lazzaro joined under an 18X contract, which provides a direct path to Special Forces. He excelled in the Army, successfully completing the demanding Special Forces Qualification Course and earning the coveted Green Beret as a weapons sergeant. As a member of 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Lazzaro deployed to Ecuador, where he trained commandos and tier 1 police personnel, helping to strengthen U.S. partnerships abroad. Back home, he helped organize three major detachment training evolutions and participated in a challenging 100-mile trek along the Appalachian Trail.
In a tragic incident on December 22, 2024, U.S. Army Sergeant Thomas “Tommy” Lazzaro, a member of 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), was fatally struck by a stray bullet during a hunting accident at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
A Promising Athlete Turned Soldier
Prior to his military career, Tommy Lazzaro had a memorable football career at Central Michigan University (CMU) from 2016 to 2019, making a significant impact as a quarterback. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, Lazzaro played in 20 games and started five of them during his time with the Chippewas. Known for his dual-threat abilities, he rushed for 542 yards and 11 touchdowns on 133 carries while also passing for 758 yards and 5 touchdowns, contributing to a total of 16 touchdowns throughout his career.
One of his standout performances came on October 13, 2018, against Ball State, when he racked up 237 total yards, including 110 rushing yards on 25 carries and 127 passing yards with 11 completions out of 22 attempts. A few weeks earlier, on September 29, 2018, he had a career-best passing game against Michigan State, completing 19 passes for 153 yards. Another highlight came in a game against Buffalo on October 6, 2018, where Lazzaro rushed for 102 yards, becoming the first CMU quarterback since Dan LeFevour in 2009 to surpass 100 rushing yards in a game.
Lazzaro played a pivotal role in CMU’s impressive one-year turnaround during his senior season in 2019. The team finished with an 8-6 overall record and a 6-2 record in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), earning a berth in the MAC Championship game and an appearance in the New Mexico Bowl. His leadership and dedication did not go unnoticed, as his teammates selected him to receive the Kurt Dobronski Award, an honor given to the player who demonstrates outstanding effort, intensity, and appreciation for the program.
Fondly nicknamed “Touchdown Tommy,” Lazzaro left a lasting legacy at CMU. His coaches and teammates remember him as a true leader and competitor who brought passion and determination to the field every game.
Transition to Military Service
After graduating from CMU with a business degree in December 2019, Lazzaro initially took a job in sales in his home state of Colorado. However, the work left him feeling unfulfilled, particularly during the isolating days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lazzaro missed the camaraderie and sense of purpose he had experienced during his football career. Determined to find a more meaningful path, he decided to enlist in the United States Army, following the legacy of his father and grandfather.
Lazzaro joined under an 18X contract, which provides a direct path to Special Forces. He excelled in the Army, successfully completing the demanding Special Forces Qualification Course and earning the coveted Green Beret as a weapons sergeant. As a member of 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Lazzaro deployed to Ecuador, where he trained commandos and tier 1 police personnel, helping to strengthen U.S. partnerships abroad. Back home, he helped organize three major detachment training evolutions and participated in a challenging 100-mile trek along the Appalachian Trail.
Lazzaro’s father shared that his son “absolutely loved” his military career and was eagerly preparing to attend Ranger School.
His transition from college football to military service was driven by his desire for camaraderie and an active, purposeful life. The values of teamwork and dedication that defined him as an athlete carried over seamlessly into his role as a Green Beret, where he left a lasting impact on those he served alongside.
The Tragic Incident
The tragic accident that claimed the life of Sergeant Tommy Lazzaro occurred on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Lazzaro was fatally struck by a stray bullet in what authorities have described as a “tragic hunting accident.” At the time, he was driving on the Eglin range to assist a fellow soldier experiencing car trouble. A hunter firing on the range discharged a round that tragically hit Lazzaro.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is leading the investigation, with support from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations. The hunter involved remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with investigators. While authorities are treating the incident as an accidental shooting, the investigation remains ongoing.
The accident had a profound impact on both the military and football communities, where Lazzaro was known and admired. Col. Patrick Nelson, commander of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing Lazzaro’s dedication, courage, and commitment to service. This heartbreaking event has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew Lazzaro, cutting short the promising life of a soldier and former athlete at just 27 years old.
Community Mourning
Lazzaro’s dedication, leadership, and vibrant personality profoundly impacted everyone who knew him, worked alongside him, or admired him.
Col. Nelson expressed heartfelt condolences for Lazzaro’s passing. He stated,
We deeply mourn the loss of U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Lazzaro of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). We will never forget his dedication, courage, and commitment to safeguarding our freedoms. His absence leaves a void that will be felt professionally and personally among those who had the honor of working with Thomas.”
The football community also mourns Lazzaro’s loss. Jim McElwain, the former head coach at Central Michigan University, reflected on his significant role in the team. “When we took over the program, Tommy was truly our leader in so many ways.CMU Football was blessed to have him andwill always remember him for all he did for many of us.He will be missed by all of the Chippewas.”
A memorial service for Sgt. Lazzaro was held on December 28 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where he was laid to rest with full military honors. The interment was at Beal Memorial Cemetary. He is survived by his parents, sister, and fiancée, Kayley Lynch. His family remembers him as a compassionate man who was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Safety Reminders
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance during hunting activities, especially in areas that overlap with military training grounds. Ensuring clear communication and strict adherence to safety protocols is essential to prevent such heartbreaking accidents in the future.
-DOL
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