Ohio State men’s soccer player injured after shooting near campus

The Dispatch reported two vehicles chased each other, and while occupants were shooting at each other, a stray bullet hit and injured Nathan Demian, a 22-year-old redshirt junior from Vancouver, British Columbia.

He was transported to OSU Wexner Medical Center with serious injuries, but is expected to survive, the Dispatch reported.

The Dispatch also reported that it is unknown on whether or not Columbus police have potential suspects or arrests.

Ohio State University’s men’s soccer team posted on X — formerly known as Twitter — on Monday that Demian is an innocent bystander, is not a suspect in any way and wasn’t involved in any altercation.

“The soccer program is thankful for the incredible university support and medical care available to Nathan and his family during this difficult time. Nathan’s family is with him, and the team is extremely close,” the men’s soccer team X post said. ”The family has asked that everyone keep Nathan in their prayers. The department will do all it can to support Nathan, his family and the men’s soccer program in every possible way.”

No new updates on Demian’s condition have been made as of Tuesday morning.

“Because of the police investigation underway, the department will not be able to discuss the incident further,” the post continued.

The Dispatch reported that Demian will be sidelined in the NCAA Tournament semifinals this Friday against Marshall in Cary, North Carolina. He has played 14 games with 12 starts this season, has one assist and was Academic All-Big Ten in 2022 and 2023.

“We’re going to miss him on the field. But he’s such a huge personality,” Ohio State coach Brian Maisonneuve told reporters Monday. “He really gets everybody going in practice and in games. He has got a great voice. He’s a character in the best way possible. And, like I said, his play speaks for itself. He’s a competitor, and it’s going to be tough not to have him out there.”