The body of an Ohio State University football player who had been missing for five days was found in Columbus on Sunday, police said.
Kosta Karageorge, a 22-year-old OSU defensive lineman and wrestler who disappeared early Wednesday, was found in a dumpster blocks away from his apartment with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, said Sgt. Rich Weiner, a Columbus police spokesman.
Police found a handgun in the dumpster with the body, but they're not sure if it belonged to the athlete. Karageorge was identified by his tattoos, Weiner said during a brief news conference. A woman and her son reported finding the body, according to NBC station WCMH.
Tattoos Help ID Missing OSU Player Kosta Karageorge
Nov. 30, 201400:37Karageorge’s mother, Susan Karageorge, had previously told WCMH that her son suffered from concussions, and that he had sent her a text shortly before he went missing in which he apologized for being an "embarrassment" as a result of the medical condition.
OSU's athletics department released a statement saying it was "shocked and saddened" to learn of Karageorge's death.
Students gathered late Sunday at a vigil to remember Karageorge, a reserve who appeared in one game this season for the Buckeyes. Teary-eyed students hugged one another and exchanged embraces while a brass band played a melody.
"I wish you could've talked to me if you were struggling," said Johnni Dijulius, one of Karageorge's teammates on the wrestling team. "I love you to death and I hope that you found peace and you're happy."
OSU, which is ranked sixth nationally with an 11-1 record, will play in the Big 10 championship game on Saturday.