COLUMBUS, Ohio — A junior defender for the Ohio State men’s soccer team, Nathan Demian, is currently in recovery following a shooting incident that took place off-campus. Demian, hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, was reportedly an innocent bystander during the confrontation that occurred early on Sunday morning.

According to Columbus police, the gunfire erupted shortly before 2:30 a.m. as two vehicles were involved in a pursuit. At least one person from one of the vehicles started shooting towards the other vehicle involved in the chase.

Demian was transported to a local hospital where he was initially listed in serious condition, although he is anticipated to recover fully. In a statement released by Ohio State, the soccer program expressed gratitude for the strong support provided by the university and the medical staff attending to Demian and his family during this challenging period. It was noted that Demian’s family is by his side, highlighting the close-knit nature of the soccer team.

This unfortunate event occurred shortly after the Ohio State soccer team achieved a 3-0 victory over Wake Forest, securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament semifinals. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with violence in the community, even impacting young athletes dedicated to their sport.