Katsuya Kitamura Passes Away At Age 36

Katsuya Kitamura has passed away at the age of 36.

Tokyo Sports reports Kitamura passed away on October 12, with the cause of death currently unknown. 

According to the people concerned, Kitamura felt something wrong with his physical condition on October 12. He called an ambulance and went to the hospital. It is said that his condition suddenly changed after that.

Kitamura formerly wrestled in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, making his debut in September 2016. He won the  2017 Young Lion Cup. He was set to face Manabu Nakaniashi in March 2018 as part of his trial series, but was unable to compete due to a cerebral concussion. He left the company in January 2019. 

His last match took place on March 4, 2018 when he teamed with Manabu Nakanishi in a loss to CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano). 

He went on to compete in MMA, losing to Bobby Ologun by rear naked choke at RIZIN 32 on November 20, 2021.

Kitamura would post YouTube videos as well, with his last upload coming on October 9. 

Fightful would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Kitamura.