Tokyo Sports is reporting that Katsuya Kitamura, a former wrestler in New Japan from 2016-2019, died Wednesday in Japan. He was 36. The cause of death is unknown at this time, but reports are Kitamura felt unwell and called an ambulance, then his condition suddenly deteriorated.
After winning 3 consecutive Greco-Roman Wresting Championships in Japan in the 96kg (about 211 pounds) weight class, Kitamura joined New Japan in 2017 and won that year’s Young Lions Cup Tournament. But he suffered a concussion during an event in March 2018 and retired on January 31, 2019 following an injury in training. He became a bodybuilder and made his MMA debut in November at a RIZIN event in Japan, losing to Bobby Ologun by second round submission. Kitamura was also an active YouTuber and last posted to his channel on Sunday.
No official statement from New Japan yet but I would expect one in the next few days. We pray for Kitamura’s peace in the other world. RIP and God Bless.
