Warning Issued by Ex-Coach of Strangled College Wrestler Highlights Concerns about Campus Violence: A Reminder of its Potential Impact on Everyone
The shocking and tragic death of college freshman Josiah Kilman has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about campus violence. Kilman, an 18-year-old theology major and wrestler at Campbellsville University in Kentucky, was found strangled in his dorm room on February 24th. The alleged perpetrator, Charles Escalera, a teammate of Kilman’s, has been arrested and charged with murder and burglary.
The news of Kilman’s death has left family, friends, and the community stunned. Kilman’s former soccer coach, O’Brien Byrd, expressed his disbelief and concern over the incident. “It boggles my mind,” Byrd told Fox News Digital. “I hope to God this isn’t a pattern we’re seeing, but I also think that this could happen to everybody anywhere.”
Unfortunately, Kilman’s tragic death is not an isolated incident. In fact, it marks the fourth on-campus homicide nationwide in just nine days. Two students from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs were gunned down in a dorm room on February 16th, and a nursing student from Augusta University was brutally murdered while jogging on the nearby campus of the University of Georgia on February 22nd.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and action regarding campus violence. It is a reminder that no one is immune to such acts of violence, and it is crucial for universities and colleges to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students.
Kilman was well-liked by his peers and came from a close-knit family who are devastated by his loss. His wrestling teammates, despite the pain they are experiencing, have decided to press ahead with their upcoming tournament to honor Kilman’s family. They see it as an opportunity to show support and solidarity during this difficult time.
In the aftermath of Kilman’s death, his family has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover burial expenses and the cost of transporting his body back to his home state of Montana. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with nearly $75,000 raised as of Sunday afternoon.
The tragic loss of Josiah Kilman serves as a sobering reminder of the potential impact of campus violence on everyone. It is a wake-up call for institutions to prioritize safety measures and support systems for their students. Kilman’s death should not be in vain; it should be a catalyst for change and a call to action to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
