Marigold referee Katsumi Sasazaki was tragically killed this week after a suspected bear attack.
The referee had worked for All Japan Women, Zero1, and Marigold and had gone missing earlier this week. His body was found near a hotel in Kitakami in the Iwate prefecture.
The Asahi Shimbun reports that his body was discovered on Friday near a hot spring inn where Sasazaki worked while he was cleaning an outdoor bath the day prior. The police were contacted after he went missing, and a search party of thirty people began.
The next day, Sasazaki was found about fifty meters away from the inn. It is the second bear attack and fatality in the area this month, with officials unsure if it was the same bear.
He had worked with Marigold until recently and transported the talent as a bus driver.
From Rossy Ogawa:
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.
New Japan wrestler Hartley Jackson had a bond with Sasazaki and shared his memories:
Katsumi Sasazaki was a referee for 100s of my matches in over 12 years for Zero1. He was a referee, president, driver, office worker, ring crew, friend and most important, a family man. He did so much! He introduced me to so many Japanese foods, like Lucky Pierrot, Bikri Donkey, Sukiya, tonkasu/ramen, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, yakiniku and interchange ice cream just to name a few. This sometimes from a 26 hour one shot drive from the top to the bottom of Japan. I have so many wonderful stories and memories. But thinking of his two little girls and his family breaks my heart Rest in peace Sasazakisan. All I can ask is ‘why!’
Sasazaki was sixty years old and left behind two daughters.
