Army Sgt. Thomas Lazzaro, a member of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), was killed Dec. 22, 2024, by a stray bullet during a hunting accident on the Eglin Air Force Base range in Freeport, Fla. (Emerald Coast Funeral Home)
A U.S. Army sergeant and former star collegiate quarterback was shot and killed by a hunter just days before Christmas while driving on a Florida training range.
Thomas Lazzaro, 27, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), was struck by a stray round on the afternoon of Dec. 22 as he drove on the Eglin Air Force Base range in Freeport, Fla., the online military publication Task & Purpose reported Friday. He was on his way to assist another soldier having car trouble.
The unnamed hunter remained on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office wrote on X the following day. The incident appeared to be a “tragic hunting accident,” the sheriff’s office said.
“We deeply mourn the loss of U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Lazzaro,” Col. Patrick Nelson, 7th Special Forces Group commander, said in a statement, according to Task & Purpose. “His absence leaves a void that will be felt professionally and personally among those who had the honor of working with Thomas. Our heartfelt condolences extend to his family, friends, and comrades during this difficult time.”
Lazzaro played quarterback for the Central Michigan University Chippewas for four years, where he completed 72 of 149 passes for 758 yards and five touchdowns, according to the team website. He also rushed for 542 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Eglin range, of which approximately 250,000 acres is conditionally open for recreation, is a popular hunting spot for outdoorsmen. Permitted members of the public are granted access to hunt deer, birds and feral hogs during various seasons, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.
Lazzaro grew up in Colorado Springs where he excelled academically and athletically, according to his online obituary. His Pine Creek High School football team won back-to-back Colorado state championships in 2013 and 2014.
After graduating, he played quarterback for Central Michigan where helped guide the team to the Mid-American Conference championship game in 2019. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business.
Lazzaro followed both his father and grandfather into the Army, a university statement said Thursday. He graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course as a weapons sergeant, was trained to use the portable Stinger missile and had received the Army Commendation Medal, his obituary said.
Services and interment were scheduled for Saturday. He is survived by his parents, Thomas and Lisa; a sister, Lexie; and fiancé Kaley Lynch.
