Former pro wrestling referee Katsumi Sasazaki has tragically passed away at the age of 60 following a Bear attack in Japan.
Sasazaki, who officiated matches in several Japanese wrestling promotions, went missing on Thursday while working at Semi Onsen, a single-inn hot spring resort in Kitakami. He had been cleaning an outdoor bath when the apparent attack took place.
Authorities later discovered bloodstains, animal fur and several of Sasazaki’s personal belongings, including his glasses, slippers and cleaning tools, near the scene.
A search operation was launched soon after, and a body believed to be Sasazaki’s was found in a wooded area close by. Officials also confirmed that an adult male Asiatic black Bear, believed to be responsible for the attack, was located and put down by the search team.
Rossy Ogawa, the founder of Japanese Wrestling promotion Marigold, issued the following statement on Sasazaki’s demise:
“Tragic news has come in that the body of Katsumi Sasazaki, who was attacked by a bear and went missing at a hot spring facility in Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture, has been found.
Sasazaki’s final referee appearance was in the Marigold ring. A junior from All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling, he was reserved but dedicated to his work, and he leaves behind two young daughters.
He was supposed to attend the Shinkiba event but was absent, and we parted ways without exchanging any words.
Such an end is unthinkable, and all I can say is that it’s deeply regrettable and heartbreaking.
I pray for his soul to rest in peace.”
Former WWE NXT UK Women’s Champion Meiko Satomura also sent out a tweet for Sasazaki:
“Katsumi Sasazaki-san.
A person who supported me by inviting me to ZERO-1 during tough times for the group.
The last time he refereed was in January this year.”
We extend our deepest condolences to Sasazaki’s family and friends.
