In a stunning turn of events, authorities have found the body of missing Ohio State University defensive tackle, Kosta Karageorge.
Karageorge was discovered Sunday afternoon inside of a Columbus-area dumpster. Columbus police — after finding a handgun with the body — have initially ruled his death a suicide, but are pursuing an ongoing investigation, reports CNN.
A three-year varsity wrestler, Karageorge walked-on to the football team this season and, according to his mother, has been struggling with concussions. A text she received from her son Wednesday morning was the last contact anyone had with Karageorge: “I am sorry if I am an embarrassment but these concussions have my head all f***ed up.”
Player safety remains one of the biggest issues in college and professional football, and experts still debate the long-term effects of multiple concussions.
Asked about the team’s prior treatment of Karageorge, Ohio State team physician Dr. Jim Borchers released the following statement: “First and foremost, our primary concern is for the health, safety and welfare of Kosta. […] We are confident in our medical procedures and policies to return athletes to participation following injury or illness.”
Borchers declined to elaborate on Karageorge’s medical care.
Students and faculty held a vigil for the late football player on campus Sunday night. Karageorge was 22 years old.