B.C. soccer player injured in shooting near Ohio university campus

A 22-year-old soccer player from Langley, B.C., who plays for Ohio State University was injured by a stray bullet during an exchange of gunfire near campus Sunday, according to the school.

In a statement, OSU’s athletics department says Nathan Demian was the victim of a shooting in Columbus following the men’s soccer team’s match against Wake Forest Saturday.

“He was an innocent bystander, is not a suspect in any way, and was not involved in any altercation,” the department said.

According to Columbus Police, the shooting happened in the 200 Block of Chittenden Avenue at 2:22 a.m.

“It appears that two vehicles were chasing each other and one fired at the other, inadvertently striking the victim,” the police report reads.

Police said they found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound, and he was taken to hospital in serious condition, but they expect Demian to survive.

“The soccer program is thankful for the incredible university support and medical care available to Nathan and his family during this difficult time,” the university’s statement continues. “Nathan’s family is with him, and the team is extremely close.”

According to an Ohio State Buckeyes biography page for Demian, he attended Burnaby Central and University Hill secondary schools. The defender played for Surrey United FC, the Whitecaps FC youth team, and Team Canada in U15 and U17 international championships.

“Nathan has one of the highest soccer IQ’s I have seen in a player his age. His ability to read the game and be proactive on and off the ball makes him and everyone around him better,” coach Brian Maisonneuve is quoted as saying on the website. “Having captained for both club and country, he brings a natural leadership and maturity to the field.”