Ohio State wrestler Sammy Sasso is expected to make a full recovery after he was shot Friday night.
According to a report by Lehigh Valley Live, Sasso was the victim in a shooting near Ohio State’s campus on Friday night. Per ABC6, the shooting happened south of Ohio State’s campus at approximately 8:23 p.m. Friday night, and medics took Sasso to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in serious condition. ABC6 reported that the shooting began as a robbery attempt, citing a police officer at the scene.
Lehigh Valley Live reported that Sasso had surgery after the shooting and was in surgery again Saturday morning. A source close to the Sasso family told Lehigh Valley Live that “Sasso’s surgeon said Saturday morning that Sasso should make a full recovery and be able to wrestle again.”
Ohio State wrestling coach Tom Ryan said Saturday in a statement that Sasso’s injuries are not life-threatening and that he is continuing to receive treatment at the Wexner Medical Center.
“Ohio State student-athlete Sammy Sasso was the victim of a senseless shooting incident Friday evening in Columbus,” Ryan said. “Sasso was transported to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 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.”
Sammy Sasso is in stable condition and receiving the care he needs at @OSUWexMed. The Sasso family, along with our staff and athletes, are thankful his injuries are not life-threatening and are supporting his recovery with the strength of Buckeye Nation behind him.
— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) August 19, 2023
Sasso sent out a tweet Sunday night thanking everyone who has sent him support, saying the past two days have “been tough as hell but we are steadily improving.”
god bless everyone for their support during this time. its been tough as hell but we are steadily improving. I cant thank everyone enough for being in my corner.
— sasso chamberlain (@sammysasso) August 21, 2023
Sasso, a sixth-year senior at Ohio State, is a two-time Big Ten champion and four-time All-American for the Buckeyes. The Nazareth, Pennsylvania, native has a 94-12 record over the past four seasons, establishing himself as one of the nation’s elite 149-pound wrestlers. He finished as the runner-up at this year’s NCAA Championships, falling in the title match to Cornell’s Yianni Diakomihalis, who was among those who sent their support to Sasso via social media on Saturday morning.
Please send prayers and support out to Sam Sasso and his family, hopefully he comes out alright on the other side of this
— Yianni Diakomihalis (@YianniD_LGR) August 19, 2023
Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith, the Ohio State football Twitter account, the Michigan wrestling team and Nazareth High School, Sasso’s alma mater, also sent messages of support to Sasso via Twitter on Saturday.
Sammy Sasso was transported to @OSUWexMed 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.
— Gene Smith (@OSU_AD) August 19, 2023
Were with you Sammy.
Get well Sammy, your Buckeye Family is with you https://t.co/zDio2zCpVm
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 19, 2023
Thinking about Sammy.
— Michigan Wrestling (@umichwrestling) August 19, 2023
Our thoughts & prayers are with Sammy & the Sasso Family!
— Nazareth Wrestling (@NazWrestling) August 19, 2023
We love you ! #Family
"Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful and believe that anything is possible when you have the people there to support you."
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