Hundreds of New Mexico College and High School Students Attend Hilinskis’ Tyler Talk
CEF president Michael Eaton gives opening remarks
The Foundation is honored to have partnered with University of New Mexico Athletics to bring Mark and Kym Hilinski to the Pit to speak to student athletes, coaches, teachers and parents about mental health and suicide prevention. They told their deeply moving story through memories of their son Tyler, a quarterback at Washington State who died by suicide in 2018. About 400 UNM student athletes attended along with hundreds of Albuquerque area high school students and others.
Albuquerque Journal sports editor James Yodice was in the room, and his column captured the night better than we ever could. It opens: "It's the questions. Always the questions."
Our deepest thanks to Mark and Kym Hilinski and Hilinski's Hope, to UNM Athletics, and to every coach who brought their team.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Reaching out is the strong move.
Above right: Mark and Kym Hilinski
Middle below: Kym speaks with Lobo football players after the talk
Far left: Mark Hilinski with UNM head trainer Bob Waller
Top: CEF president Michael Eaton gives opening remarks
