Langley native Nathan Demian is in hospital after an off-campus shooting at about 2 a.m. Sunday
Nathan Demian, a Langley native and Surrey United soccer product who’s a redshirt junior defender with Ohio State, was the victim of an off-campus shooting at about 2 a.m. on Sunday, according to the school’s athletic department.
Ohio State had defeated visiting Wake Forest 3-0 on Saturday to advance to the NCAA Tournament semifinals.
“He was an innocent bystander, is not a suspect in any way, and was not involved in any altercation,” the university said in a statement posted on X. “The soccer program is thankful for the incredible university support and medical care available to Nathan and his family during this difficult time.
“Nathan’s family is with him, and the team is extremely close. The family has asked that everyone keep Nathan in their prayers. The department will do all it can to support Nathan, his family and the men’s soccer program in every way possible.”
Columbus police said two vehicles were chasing each other, and occupants were firing at each other when a stray bullet struck Demian, the newpaper reported.
Longtime Surrey United sporting director Jeff Clarke called Nathan “one of the most enjoyable kids to work with because of his spirit and his positive energy … just a joy to work with.”
“He’s one of the most well-rounded teammates you could have,” said Clarke, who’s a former Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder/defender. “Very popular, very supportive in the locker-room. He keeps things light but is also an incredible competitor on the field.”
Clarke believes that knowing “Nathan for 10 years, knowing the family, I’d put my house on it being wrong place, wrong time.”
Demian attending Burnaby Central and University Hill for high school. After Surrey United, he moved onto the Whitecaps Academy youth program from 2015-21. He played internationally for Canada in 2017 (U-15) and 2019 (U-17).
More to come …