Former USC offensive lineman Max Tuerk tragically died on Sunday while hiking with his parents in the Cleveland National Forest. He was just 26 years old.

The news of Tuerk’s death came on Sunday afternoon. His family released a statement later in the day on his passing.

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“Max died on June 20, 2020 while hiking with his parents on a favorite trail in the Cleveland National Forest,” the statement read. “Max was a loving son and older brother and his passing leaves a giant hole in our hearts. His strength and work ethic is an inspiration to many.”

USC also issued a message on social media after learning of Tuerk’s passing.

“The #TrojanFamily is terribly saddened by the news of Tuerk’s passing, gone too soon at the age of 26, and our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with his family,” the statement read.

Tuerk was a member of the Trojans football team from 2012-15 and was a Freshman All-American in 2012 and a First-Team All-Pac-12 performer in 2014. The USC teams he played on went 34-20.