Former Chargers, USC Lineman Max Tuerk Dies At 26 While Hiking In Cleveland National Forest
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) -- Former USC and NFL offensive lineman Max Tuerk died Saturday at the age of 26 while on a hike with his parents in the Cleveland National Forest.
Tuerk was pronounced dead at 3:14 p.m. Saturday at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, according to Supervising Deputy Orange County Coroner Erica Arellano.
"Max loved his teammates, coaches and schools," his family said in a statement released through USC. "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.
There was no immediate indication of an apparent cause of death, Arellano said.
"#FightOnForever, Max Tuerk,'' USC's athletic department wrote in a tweet Sunday. "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.''
Tuerk was the first-team All-Pac-12 center as a junior in 2014. He started the first five games at center in 2015, then tore ligaments in his right knee and underwent season-ending surgery. Despite the injury, he won USC's Most Inspirational Player Award.
Tuerk was a captain both of his final two seasons with the Trojans.
He was chosen by the San Diego Chargers in third round of the 2016 NFL draft, the 66th overall selection. He was inactive for all 16 of the team's games in 2016, their last in San Diego.
"The news is hard to process, and all I can think of is how unbelievably sad I am - and all of us at the Chargers are - upon hearing of Max's passing," Chargers general manager Tom Telesco wrote in a tweet Sunday. "I'm heartbroken for his parents and family. Max had a tremendous passion for football and a quiet toughness that those who didn't know him may have underestimated, but all of us who knew him appreciated. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Max's family during this extremely difficult time."
Tuerk was suspended by the league on Aug. 22, 2017, without pay for the first four games of the regular season, for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.
"This off season, I made the mistake of taking over-the-counter supplements," Tuerk said. "In doing so, I opened myself up to the possibility of consuming a tainted supplement -- something that ultimately led to a positive test for a banned substance.
"I accept responsibility for my actions and understand the NFL's policy is very clear on this matter. This is a very hard way to learn a lesson and I will never make this mistake again."
The Chargers waived Tuerk on Oct. 3, 2017, one day after he became eligible to return to their active roster because the team was "pleased with the guys that we have," coach Anthony Lynn said.
The Chargers signed Tuerk to the practice squad Oct. 26. The Arizona Cardinals signed Tuerk off the Chargers' practice squad on Nov. 6, 2017. He played in his lone NFL game on Dec. 24, 2017. He was released by the Cardinals on April 12, 2018.
Tuerk was an alumnus of Santa Margarita High in Orange County's Rancho Santa Margarita and was selected to various All-America teams as a senior in 2011.
"Max loved his teammates, coaches and schools," his family said in a statement. "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."
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