Nathan Demian, a junior at the university, is recovering after he was hit by a stray bullet while walking off-campus
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An Ohio State University soccer player is recovering from his injuries after being shot by a stray bullet following the team’s NCAA tournament victory.
Nathan Demian, a junior at the university, was walking in an area off campus around 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, Dec. 8, when two vehicles went by, chasing each other and firing bullets. A stray bullet hit Demian in the exchange, Columbus police said, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Demian was found with a gunshot wound when police arrived on the scene, the outlet reported, and was then transported to OSU Wexner Medical Center. He’s listed in serious condition, but is expected to survive his injuries.
Representatives from the Columbus Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Police have not provided any information about potential suspects or if any arrests have been made at this time, the Columbia Dispatch reported.
In a statement posted to X (formerly known as Twitter), Ohio State University’s soccer team said they will help Demian, who hails from British Columbia, and his family “in every way possible.”
“He was an innocent bystander, is not a suspect in any way, and was not involved in any altercation,” the statement said. “The soccer program is thankful for the incredible university support and medical care available to Nathan and his family during this difficult time.”
Following the shooting, Ohio State head soccer coach Brian Maisonneuve said, “Nate is an incredible teammate, incredible person and a fantastic player. He’s got a great voice. He is a character in the best way possible … His play speaks for itself. He is a competitor and it is going to be tough not to have him out there,” according to local NBC affiliate WCMH-TV.
Mere hours before the shooting, Demian was a starter for the Buckeyes as they beat Wake Forest 3-0 in the NCAA men’s soccer tournament quarterfinals. Ohio State will next face Marshall University in the semifinals on Friday, Dec. 13.