Ohio State redshirt junior defenseman Nathan Demian was a victim of an off-campus shooting that occurred after the Buckeyes’ NCAA quarterfinal win over Wake Forest on Saturday night, the school announced in a statement Monday afternoon.
“Following the Ohio State men’s soccer match with Wake Forest Saturday, redshirt junior Nathan Demian, from Vancouver, British Columbia, was a victim of an off-campus shooting,” the statement read. “He was an innocent bystander, is not a suspect in any way, and was not 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 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 way possible.”
Demian, who is in his fourth year with the program, played 84 minutes in the Buckeyes’ 3-0 quarterfinal win over Wake Forest. He has appeared in 14 games this season with 12 starts, earning one assist and attempting three shots in those contests.
Ohio State did not offer any other information regarding the situation or Damien’s health status, saying that because of a police investigation “the department will not be able to discuss the incident further.”
The top-ranked Buckeyes are set to take on No. 13 Marshall in the 2024 College Cup on Friday night at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.
