A Kentucky college wrestler is dead and one of his teammates is suspected of the crime, according to authorities.
Police officers found 18-year-old Campbellsville University freshman Josiah Kilman unresponsive in his dorm room at 12:45 a.m. on Saturday. He was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead.
Multiple reports said Kilman died from manual strangulation, although the state medical examiner’s office has not released an official cause of death.
The school, a private Christian university located about 85 miles southeast Louisville, issued a statement confirming Kilman’s passing on social media Tuesday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of Josiah Kilman, who left us far too soon,” read the post. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Josiah’s family, friends, and the entire university community during this difficult time. Thank you, Josiah for your example of Christ.”
It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of Josiah Kilman, who left us far too soon. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Josiah’s family, friends, and the entire university community during this difficult time. Thank you, Josiah for your example of Christ. pic.twitter.com/rSbU4Anetz
— Campbellsville University (@CampbellsvilleU) February 27, 2024
Kentucky State Police arrested Campbellsville wrestling teammate Charles Escalera, 21, without incident. Escalera, from Moore, Okla., faces charges of murder and second-degree burglary and is being held at the Taylor County Detention Center on a bond of $2 million, according to online jail records.
Kilman’s family set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to transport his body home to Montana for burial.
“Our family will be eternally grateful for any assistance that you may be able to provide,” a Kilman family spokesperson said. “Thank you for helping them in their time of need.”
–Field Level Media
