by MARIAH THOMPSON Section Editor
The body of Ohio State football player Kosta Karageorge was found in a dumpster on November 30, 2014.
The 22-year-old went missing on November 26, and was not found until four days later. He had a gunshot in his head that the police said was apparently done by himself. The dumpster his body was found in was a few blocks away from where he lived, and also contained a gun. However, the police are not positive that gun was the one he used to shoot himself.
A mother and son found Karageorge’s body. The police were able to identify it due to his tattoos.
An autopsy confirmed that the wrestler and football player died of a gunshot wound; however, it has not been ruled a suicide.
Before the OSU athlete went missing, he was acting strangely according to his mother, Susan Karageorge. She also explained to the police how her son has had concussions and would randomly become confused at times.
Prior to his disappearance, he texted his mother on Wednesday around 1:30 a.m. and said, “I am sorry if I am an embarrassment.”
That same night, his roommates told his sister, Sophia Karageorge, that he left for a walk in all black clothes and boots.
In a newspaper, his sister said, “We’re very concerned that he’s not himself and that he maybe doesn’t know what’s going on.”
After the body of Karageorge was found, Ohio State University released a statement about the tragedy.
An excerpt from the statement says, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Karageorge family, and those who knew him, during this most difficult time.”
According to ESPN, Karageorge’s brain will be examined, and a neuropathologist will look for signs of traumatic brain injury.
An anonymous student said, “I really think it is a good idea for them to look at his brain. They could maybe find similarities between other athletes with these concussions and end up saving lives. It is crazy how many athletes, mainly football players, are dying from these head injuries.”
William Barr, the director of neuropsychology, said that confusion as a concussion symptom usually only lasts between a week to 10 days, so he believes that Karageorge may have had a mood disorder like depression.
Karageorge’s funeral was held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbus, Ohio, and over 600 family members, friends, and teammates attended. Some of his teammates also helped carry their friend’s casket.
In remembrance of their formal teammate, the Ohio State football team will wear a helmet decal in his honor in the Big Ten Championship game against University of Wisconsin on Saturday, December 6, 2014. The sticker will have his number 53 on it.
Sophomore Emma Pede said, “I am glad that Ohio State is doing something in his honor, it shows that they are a team no matter what. Even though he was not one of their stars, it is good that they still care.”
They also plan to hold a moment of silence for the former Ohio State football player.
Do you believe it was a suicide? Why or why not?