Sad news to report as former USC offensive lineman Max Tuerk has passed away at the age of 26.
Reports indicate that Tuerk was hiking with family on his favorite trail in the Cleveland National Forest with his parents, although no cause of death was given.
The school made the announcement on Sunday:
#FightOnForever, Max Tuerk.
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. pic.twitter.com/PBzN1J55Ch
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) June 21, 2020
If fans recall, Tuerk spent 4 years at USC and made 33 starts on the line. He was a first-team All-Pac 12 player when he was a junior back in 2014.
USC Head Coach Clay Helton made a statement on Twitter regarding Tuerk:
“Heartbroken by the loss of Max Tuerk. Incredible person, teammate, and Trojan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
After his run at USC, Tuerk was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in their 66th overall pick in the third round of the 2016 draft. Sadly, he did not make any appearances while as a rookie for the Bolts, and in 2017, he missed four games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
In October of 2017, the Chargers decided to waive Tuerk. The Arizona Cardinals picked him up for the remainder of the season. After that, the Cards released Tuerk during the 2018 season.
