Nathan Demian, a junior defender for the Ohio State men's soccer team, has returned to his home following a harrowing ordeal where he was shot as an innocent bystander during an incident in the University District on December 8. According to a report from WBNS, Demian was struck by a stray bullet around 2:20 a.m. during a chase and subsequent gunfire exchange between two vehicles. He sustained serious injuries and was taken to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Demian has detailed his recovery on Instagram, sharing the extensive treatment required to address his injuries. "1 bullet. 3 surgeries, with 1 taking 10 hours. 2.5 weeks in hospital with most in ICU. Almost died from the shot. Almost died on the operating table. Almost died from a post surgery GI bleed. I shouldn’t be here anymore but God remained faithful," he reportedly stated in an Instagram post cited by The Columbus Dispatch. Demian was released from the hospital on Christmas Eve after an arduous medical journey.
Despite the initial prognosis that he would have to rely on a tube for feeding and an ostomy bag for the remainder of his life, Demian spoke of better outcomes in his social media update. "Doctors said I would have to feed through a tube for the rest of my life. Doctors said I would have an ostomy bag for the rest of my life. God had other plans," shared Demian, whose post is referenced by The Columbus Dispatch.
The shooting, which occurred near the OSU campus, did not result in any immediate arrests, and authorities are still on the lookout for suspects involved in the incident. Columbus police are urging the public to come forward with any relevant information, either by contacting the police directly at 614-645-4730 or through Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS, as reported by The Columbus Dispatch. Demian thanked the medical staff, his family, friends, and God for giving him a second chance at life despite overwhelming odds.
Before the incident, the Ohio State men's soccer team, where Demian plays defender, had advanced to the NCAA tournament's Final Four but was defeated by Marshall University in the semifinal game. Demian hails from Vancouver, British Columbia, where he attended Burnaby Central Secondary and University Hill Secondary before coming to Ohio State for school.
