On Saturday, we reported that Ohio State University football player Kosta Karageorge had been missing since Wednesday afternoon. In a tragic turn of events, the 22 year-old's body was found in a dumpster near his Columbus, Ohio apartment on Sunday.
The body of missing #OSU student athlete Kosta Karageorge found near his apt. Prelim report: self inflicted gunshot wound. Prayers to family
— Columbus Ohio Police (@ColumbusPolice) November 30, 2014
"At this time, there's a lot of questions that we're still trying to work out," Sgt. Rich Weiner told reporters at the scene (via ESPN). "But he was found inside of the dumpster, the handgun was found inside of the dumpster with him. "At this time we are able to confirm through tattoos here at the scene that it is the body of Kosta Karageorge."
Karageorge's mother had told police that he has suffered several concussions and "a few spells of being extremely confused" throughout his football career. On Wednesday at 1:30 a.m. he texted his mother a message that "cited the concussions" and said, "I am sorry if I am an embarrassment."
"The Ohio State University Department of Athletics was shocked and saddened to learn today of the death of student-athlete Kosta Karageorge, a senior from Columbus," the school said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Karageorge family, and those who knew him, during this most difficult time." The news was a tragic blow to a community that just celebrated the Buckeyes' 42-28 victory over the rival Michigan Wolverines on Saturday.
UPDATE: this is scene behind Kosta Karageorge's apt where police have found body. No confirmation yet if it's Kosta. pic.twitter.com/yNNUkRDKJq — Harrison Hove (@HarrisonHove) November 30, 2014
NBC4's Dan Pearlman is on the OSU campus where hundreds of friends are gathering to honor Kosta Karageorge. pic.twitter.com/lF8na5pcN5
— nbc4i.com (@nbc4i) December 1, 2014
