Former Marigold Referee Found Dead After Bear Attack

Katsumi Sasazaki was involved in a tragic accident in Japan.

Former pro wrestling referee Katsumi Sasazaki went missing on Thursday while working at a hot spring inn in Kitakami, Japan. As he was cleaning one of the outdoor baths, a bear attack occurred. On the scene, police discovered bloodstains and animal fur in addition to items that belonged to Sasazaki, such as his glasses, slippers, and cleaning tools.

There was a search party that found a body believed to be the 60-year-old Sasazaki’s in a wooded area nearby. The search team shot and killed the Asiatic black bear that was responsible for the attack.

Sasazaki refereed for All Japan Women’s Wrestling, ZERO1, and Dream Star Fighting Marigold. His final refereeing role was for Marigold, and promotion founder Rossy Ogawa tweeted the following:

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.

Fightful would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Katsumi Sasazaki.