Columbus police have confirmed to BuzzFeed News that a body found near the campus of Ohio State University is that of college athlete Kosta Karageorge.
Police and volunteers have been searching for the 22-year-old defensive linesman and wrestler, who had last been seen early Wednesday morning.
On Twitter, police said that a preliminary report suggested Karageorge died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The body of missing #OSU student athlete Kosta Karageorge found near his apt. Prelim report: self inflicted gunshot wound. Prayers to family
His mother, Susan Karageorge, told NBC affiliate WCMH that her son suffers from concussions. She said he had sent her a text message shortly before his disappearance in which he apologized for being an "embarrassment" as a result of the concussions.
OSU's athletics department said it was "shocked and saddened" at the news:
STATEMENT: OSUDA was shocked and saddened to learn today of the death of student-athlete Kosta Karageorge, a senior from Columbus. More>>
Cont. STATEMENT: ... Our thoughts and prayers are with the Karageorge family, and those who knew him, during this most difficult time.
The NCAA also offered its condolences:
We join @OhioStAthletics in mourning the loss of football player Kosta Karageorge. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates.
During his team's home game on Saturday, the stadium was quiet as a missing poster was displayed on the scoreboard when Karageorge's name was called.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the Karageorge family and their friends," said U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, who represents central Ohio, including OSU.
"It has been reported that this caring and talented young man was suffering from concussions," Beatty said in a statement on Dec. 2. "I have been and will continue to advocate for more to be done to keep our student-athletes safe and healthy"