KGUN 9News

Actions

Zach Hemmila's death a result of combination of medications

Posted at 3:42 PM, Sep 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-27 20:21:31-04

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Arizona Wildcats offensive lineman Zach Hemmila's death was a result of the combination of a painkiller and an anti-anxiety medication, according to the Pima County Medical Examiner.

Hemmila, a 22-year-old senior on UA's football team, died in his sleep in early August. His death was officially ruled accidental.

Oxymorphone is a narcotic painkiller, while ziprozolam, commonly known as Xanax, is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

"As Coach said, he was a great young man, and we're just so deeply saddened," UA athletic director Greg Byrne said. "Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and teammates and the coaches."

Zach went to high school at Chandler High School and visited his alma mater frequently.

His high school coach Shaun Aguano said, "Zach was a very quirky kid, always pulling jokes and always smiling. He was lazy at times so I would get on him, but that was all in fun. Just celebrating that and those memories helped me make it through the day."