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.
Karageorge’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.
