Big Ten

Sammy Sasso Hospitalized After Suffering Gunshot Wound

Sammy Sasso Hospitalized After Suffering Gunshot Wound

Ohio State Wrestling standout, 2X NCAA finalist Sammy Sasso reportedly suffered a gunshot wound Friday evening.

Aug 19, 2023 by JD Rader
Sammy Sasso Hospitalized After Suffering Gunshot Wound

Two-time NCAA finalist Sammy Sasso of Ohio State is reportedly in serious condition after suffering a gunshot wound to the stomach Friday evening in Columbus. 

According to a report by Brad Wilson of Lehigh Valley Live, Sasso underwent his second surgery Saturday morning and is in serious condition. According to Wilson's report, a source close to the Sasso family said the Ohio State star is expected to make a full recovery. 

The incident, which occurred south of the Ohio State campus, reportedly stemmed from an attempted robbery, according to ABC6 in Ohio. The station reported that an 11-year-old boy witnessed the shooting and said the victim identified himself as an Ohio State wrestler. No suspects were immediately taken into custody, according to ABC 6. 

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith tweeted the following:

Ohio State Communications issued the following:

Ohio State student-athlete Sammy Sasso was the victim of a senseless shooting incident Friday evening in Columbus. Sasso was transported to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (WMC), where he is continuing to be cared for and monitored. Our coaching staff, along with members of the wrestling program and Athletics administrators, are grateful for the caregivers at WMC, thankful Sasso’s injuries are not life-threatening, and are supporting Sasso and his family. OSUPD is assisting Columbus Police with the ongoing investigation.

Sasso has been a staple of the Buckeye wrestling lineup for the past four years. He is a 3X All-American and 2X NCAA finalist. While currently ranked #1 in the country at 149 lbs, he had been expected to move up to 157 lbs. Sasso was also expected to compete at the U23 World Championships in October.

Brad Wilson of Lehigh Valley Live provided this update Saturday afternoon:


UPDATE: Sasso Has Made His First Public Statement Since Incident


FloWrestling will continue to update this story as more information is released.