Tokyo Sports is reporting that former NJPW young lion, Katsuay Kitamura, has passed away at the age of 36. Kitamura fell ill on October 12 and called for an ambulance. His health deteriorated quickly after that, however.
In his time, Kitamura was a decorated wrestler. He won three All Japan Championships in a row for the 96kg weight class. In 2017, he debuted for New Japan and won the Young Lion Cup. He suffered a concussion in 2018 that would keep him out of action. Kitamura would then suffer an undisclosed injury during practice that would see him depart his wrestling team on January 31, 2019.
Kitamura would go on to compete in body-building competitions, and competed as a mixed martial artist for the RIZIN promotion. He also hosted a YouTube channel: “Bulk Academy Katsuya Kitamura.” Our thoughts and prayers go out to this family and loved ones during this difficult time.
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