COLUMBUS, OHIO: Sammy Sasso, a two-time Big Ten wrestling champion from Ohio State, was shot in Columbus.
Sasso is currently hospitalized with injuries that are not life-threatening, according to a statement from the university's wrestling coach.
A shooting incident was reported around 8.30 pm on Friday, August 18, in the vicinity of the University District, as detailed by The Columbus Dispatch.
Who is Sammy Sasso?
Sammy Sasso, a wrestler from Ohio State and a two-time Big Ten wrestling champion, was shot in Columbus on Friday, August 18. Sasso, originally from Nazareth, Pennsylvania, is a fifth-year senior.
He first earned the conference championship title in 2021. Sasso secured his second Big Ten championship after completing his final year as a redshirt senior.
Over the past year, Sasso achieved an impressive record of 29 wins and 4 losses overall, winning all 8 matches in his conference. In the recent season, Sasso competed in the 149-pound final against Cornell's Yianni Diakomihalis, a four-time champion.
Ohio State finished in fourth place at the 2023 NCAA Championships with his contribution. Sasso is 114-13 in his career.
What happened to Sammy Sasso?
Sasso was discovered shot in an alley near the campus and transported to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in a serious condition, as stated by the newspaper.
Coach Tom Ryan conveyed in the statement that Sasso's condition is under observation at the hospital.
"Ohio State student-athlete Sammy Sasso was the victim of a senseless shooting incident Friday evening in Columbus. Sasso was transported to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (WMC), where he is continuing to be cared for and monitored," Coach Ryan said in a statement.
The statement further said, "Our coaching staff, along with members of the wrestling program and Athletics administrators, are grateful for the caregivers at WMC, thankful Sasso's injuries are not life-threatening, and are supporting Sasso and his family. OSUPD is assisting Columbus Police with the ongoing investigation."
Ohio State Athletics Director Gene Smith also wrote in a tweet, "Sammy Sasso was transported to @OSUWexMed where he is continuing to be cared for and monitored. Our coaching staff, along with members of the wrestling program and Athletics administrators, are grateful for the caregivers at WMC. We’re with you Sammy."
There were limited details provided regarding the shooting, with some reports suggesting a potential link to a robbery attempt, as outlined by The Columbus Dispatch. Currently, no suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident.
