- Sammy Sasso was shot in a carjacking Aug. 18
- He suffered colon and nerve damage in the attack
- A graduate of Nazareth Area High School, he's one of the greatest wrestlers ever to come from the Lehigh Valley
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Champion wrestler Sammy Sasso, shot in an Aug. 18 carjacking near Ohio State University, was released from a hospital and transferred to a rehabilitation facility, according to his family.
They describe it as “a significant step forward in Sammy’s journey,” in an update posted on the GoFundMe established by his family to help with his recovery costs. More than $140,000 had been raised as of Sunday.
Sasso, 23, is able to walk a short distance with a walker. He spent 28 days in the hospital.
A two-time Pennsylvania state champion from Nazareth Area High School, Sasso was shot in the stomach and his car was stolen in the carjacking, police said. Two teens were charged in the attack.
Sasso and his family expressed gratitude for the support shown the past several weeks.
“Every donation, message, and positive thought has made a difference in Sammy's spirits and his path toward recovery,” said the update.
“Sammy has been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from his community and team. Witnessing how many people care about him has been a tremendous source of motivation during his recovery."Sasso's family, in a GoFundMe update
“In the rehabilitation facility Sammy has been transferred to, he will receive extensive rehabilitation and care tailored to his unique needs. Sammy is currently able to walk a short distance with the assistance of a walker, however there is still a long road ahead of him. We are hopeful that this new environment will provide Sammy with the opportunity to progress even further than he has in the hospital.”
Sasso, a four-time All-American at Ohio State and also a Big Ten champion, has a year of college wrestling eligibility remaining.
“Sammy has been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from his community and team,” his family said. “Witnessing how many people care about him has been a tremendous source of motivation during his recovery.
“Your continued support is a source of comfort and encouragement, and we look forward to sharing more positive updates as Sammy progresses on his path to recovery.”
