A Metro Vancouver soccer player who came up through the Vancouver Whitecaps’ academy system has been shot in Columbus, Ohio.
Nathan Demian, who currently plays for Ohio State University, was hit by a bullet early on Sunday morning. The 22-year-old from Langley was taken to the university hospital with serious injuries but is expected to survive, per a report from The Columbus Dispatch.
The school confirmed the news in a statement posted to social media today.
“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,” reads a statement from the Ohio State men’s soccer team.
“He was an innocent bystander, is not a suspect in any way, and was not involved in any altercation.”
Demian’s family is with him and has asked for prayers during this difficult time.
Our thoughts are with Nathan, his family and the Buckeyes community 💙 https://t.co/80KWWPQ9Im
— Whitecaps FC MLS Academy (@WFCAcademy) December 9, 2024
Demian played for the Whitecaps academy team from 2015 to 2020. He has also represented Canada at different points in his career, both at the U15 and U17 levels, as well as Egypt on the international stage.
The defender has appeared in 44 games for Ohio State, recording one goal, a game-winner against Michigan State, during that time. Ohio State is currently ranked as the best team in the nation.
Demian is a third-year computer and information sciences student and a two-time Academic All-Big Ten recipient. He’s been a captain of every team he played on during his youth career, including Canada at the u15 level.
“Having captained for both club and country, he brings a natural leadership and maturity to the field that will help him make an impact sooner than later,” said Ohio State coach Brian Maisonneuve after recruiting Demian to the program in 2021.