OSU redshirt-senior defensive lineman Kosta Karageorge Credit: Courtesy of OSU
A body found near East Sixth and Courtland avenues has been identified as that of a missing Ohio State football player, Columbus Police Sgt. Richard Weiner said.
Redshirt-senior defensive lineman Kosta Karageorge’s body was found Sunday at about 2:30 p.m. in a dumpster. Tattoos confirmed his identity. It was unclear how long his body had been there, Weiner said.
Karageorge appeared to have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A handgun was found near the scene. Weiner said the body will be taken to the Franklin County morgue for more tests.
Karageorge had been missing since Wednesday at about 2 a.m. His sister, Sophia Karageorge, told The Columbus Dispatch on Thursday that he was last seen at his apartment on East 7th Avenue before he left to take a walk.
OSU’s Department of Athletics issued a statement after Karageorge was identified, saying the department was “shocked and saddened” to learn of his death.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Karageorge family, and those who knew him, during this most difficult time,” the statement read.
Karageorge joined the football team in August as a walk on, and was a member of the OSU wrestling team since 2011.
The investigation is ongoing.
OSU offers suicide prevention resources. The Office of Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Services can be reached at 614-292-5766. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 or online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
