Wrestler Sammy Sasso suffered spinal nerve damage in shooting, will have to learn to walk again

• Sammy Sasso suffered nerve damage to his spine and will have to learn how to walk again
• His family has established a GoFundMe to help with his recovery
• The four-time All-American wrestler at Ohio State was shot in a carjacking Aug. 18

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State wrestler Sammy Sasso suffered nerve damage to his spine and will need physical therapy to learn how to walk again as a result of injuries sustained in an Aug. 18 carjacking near campus.

Sasso, a two-time PIAA state wrestling champion at Nazareth Area High School, acknowledged the injuries in reposting a tweet that linked to a GoFundMe created by his family to help with medical expenses.

“What truly sets Sammy apart is his boundless kindness and selflessness,” the Sasso family wrote in the GoFundMe, organized by his mother Lorraine Sasso. “His dedication to his family and friends is unparalleled, and his uplifting presence radiates positivity. He has touched the lives of many. His infectious smile brightens the days of anyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

“His heart beats for coaching and guiding young minds, spreading his love for the sport of wrestling, and nurturing the potential within each child he encounters. From teaching the perfect cradle to instilling unwavering confidence, Sammy has been a mentor and a role model to countless wrestlers. He isn't just a wrestling champion; he's a champion when it comes to uplifting everyone around him.”

By 5 a.m. Monday, nearly $75,000 had been raised toward a $100,000 goal for the fundraiser.

On Saturday night, Sasso shared two photos on X, formerly known as Twitter, of him with his Ohio State coaches.

“I am very lucky to have been blessed with a set of coaches that have had my back through anything,” Sasso wrote. “This situation has been no different, whether it is on the mat or off the mat. These coaches are going to ride with me.”

He also tweeted about the GoFundMe and expressed his gratitude.

"First off, I just want to say how thankful I am for all the messages, prayers and posts," he wrote. "My family and I have felt all of the love from everyone ..."

Sasso, a two-time Big 10 champion, was going into his fifth year at Ohio State and is a four-time All-American. He is one of the greatest wrestlers ever to come out of the wrestling-rich Lehigh Valley.

He was shot in the stomach during a carjacking; no arrests have been made.

According to the GoFundMe, he was rushed to a hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to reconstruct his colon. The following morning, doctors performed another surgery to remove the bullet near his spine.

“As a result of the bullet’s trajectory, he sustained severe nerve damage to his spine,” the GoFundMe said. “After spending three days in ICU, he was transferred to an acute care unit where he continues to receive care for his injuries."

Sasso, 25, will be transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility after his hospital stay.

“At this time, Sammy is unable to walk without assistance,” the fundraiser said. “While the doctors are hopeful that he will make a full recovery, Sammy has a long, difficult road ahead of him.”

Sasso and his family said they have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.

"Sammy’s journey has taken an unexpected turn, yet even in the face of adversity his spirit remains unbroken," the GoFundMe said. "The love and support pouring in from around the country is a testament to the mark Sammy has left on our hearts. Now, more than ever, Sammy needs support from the community."