Washington State senior safety Bryce Beekman has died, Pullman (Washington) police told ESPN on Wednesday. He was 22.
Beekman was found dead in his apartment Tuesday afternoon by an officer who responded to a call for help involving "breathing problems," Pullman Police Chief Gary Jenkins said Wednesday. Jenkins said there were no signs of foul play.
Whitman County coroner Annie Pillers told ESPN later Tuesday the case remains an ongoing investigation and that it might take up to three months to determine the cause of death.
"My relationship with Bryce was still in its early stages, but I knew him to be a wonderful young man," coach Nick Rolovich said in a statement. "He was always positive and well respected among his teammates. My heart goes out to his family and friends."
In a conference call with reporters Tuesday before learning of Beekman's death, Rolovich said the majority of players had stayed in their hometowns following spring break. Washington State has moved to an online/remote learning platform in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Spring football practice, originally scheduled to start this week, has been postponed. But Rolovich said a few players had returned to Pullman.
Beekman started all 13 games in the 2019 season after transferring from Arizona Western Junior College. Several teammates tweeted about him late Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
25x26 forever 🤞🏽🕊
— Skyler Thomas (@Skydollaa) March 25, 2020
Fly High 👼🏽❤️ Forever My Dawg🤞🏾💯
— Renard Bell (@RenardBell_) March 25, 2020
Beekman was a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He recorded 60 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception in his only season with Washington State.
He was the older brother of Reece Beekman, ESPN's No. 46-ranked basketball recruit in the 2020 class who has signed with Virginia.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
