Body of missing Ohio State footballer found dead in a dumpster 'where he shot himself' - after he'd texted his mom about having concussion hours before he vanished

• Body found 2 blocks from Kosta Karageorge's home where he was last seen
• Defensive tackle, 22, texted apology to mom after concussion Wednesday
• Missing person alert filed after he uncharacteristically missed practice
• Last seen leaving his apartment at 2am on Wednesday dressed in black
• Around 200 volunteers handed out flyers in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday
• His former coach admitted he fears worst, said 'I'm very scared for him'
• His name and poster were screened at today's Ohio State game

By Mia De Graaf for MailOnline and Associated Press

Published: 17:41 EST, 30 November 2014 | Updated: 18:12 EST, 30 November 2014

The body of the missing Ohio State football player has been found in a dumpster with self-inflicted gunshot wounds, it has emerged.

Defensive tackle Kosta Karageorge was last seen leaving his apartment in Columbus, Ohio, at 2am on Wednesday after texting his mother to say he had concussion and was sorry for 'being an embarrassment'.

Today investigators confirmed a body found two blocks from the 22-year-old's home was identified as his based on tattoos.

Found dead: Defensive tackle Kosta Karageorge told his mother he was sorry if he was an embarrassment but concussions had his head messed up. Five days later his body was found in a dumpster with gunshot wounds

Search: Hundreds went in search of Ohio State player Kosta Karageorge, 22, in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday three days after he vanished. His former coach (second left in red hoodie) said he was very scared for him

Desperate: Flyers and maps of Karageorge's last-known steps were printed off and distributed in the town

Around 200 volunteers swarmed the streets in search of Karageorge on Saturday.

'I'm very scared for him,' he told The Columbus Dispatch. 'I'm worried. I'm trying to remain optimistic. We love him, and we want him home.'

Webber urged anyone that may have seen him to contact police.

'If you think you saw a 6'5", 250lb man, there aren't many out there. Chances are, it's him,' he said.

His appeal came as a group of former Ohio State players tweeted their offer of a $1,000 cash reward for information that leads to Karageorge, who also goes by his middle name Alex.

Ohio State University's football stadium went silent Saturday as an announcer called out his name and the missing poster appeared on the scoreboard.

The senior was reported missing after he uncharacteristically skipped two practices.

His mother, Susan Karageorge, told police he has had several concussions and a few spells of being extremely confused.

The team's physician insists the squad would not have let Karageorge play after injury or illness if he weren't ready.

Karageorge was last seen at his apartment around 2 am Wednesday, his sister, Sophia Karageorge told The Columbus Dispatch.

Community effort: Former Ohio State players offered a $1,000 cash reward to find the 6'5" player

Questions: It is unclear why Karageorge texted his mother to apologize for being an embarrassment

Appeal: His former coach Jeremiah Webber (left) told anyone that sees a 6'5" man to call state police

Uncharacteristic: Roommates say the 250lb defensive tackle left the apartment for a walk at 2am Wednesday

Description: Flyers featuring a picture of Karageorge with his mother describe him as having brown eyes

Roommates said he appeared upset and went for a walk, dressed in a black hat, black sweater, black pants, and black boots.

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer described Karageorge as a hard worker and an important player in practice.

'Our thoughts continue to be with the family of Kosta Karageorge, and we pray that he is safe and that he is found soon,' Meyer said in a Friday statement.

Karageorge, a former Buckeyes wrestler, joined the football team as a walk-on this season.

He has played in one game and is among two dozen seniors slated to be recognized at their final home game Saturday against rival Michigan.

The team's physician said he's confident in the policies in which athletes are returned to play after injury

Karageorge, a former Buckeyes wrestler, joined the football team as a walk-on this season

Karageorge's sister said he left without his wallet or his motorcycle. He has a history of concussions, including one a month ago, and might have become disoriented, she said.

'We're very concerned that he's not himself and that he maybe doesn't know what's going on,' she told the newspaper.

She said after each concussion, he has followed trainers' instructions and received proper care, but 'his repercussions from (concussions) have been long-term or delayed.'

The team's physician, Dr Jim Borchers, said Friday that he could not comment on the medical care of student athletes.

But, Boarches said, 'We are confident in our medical procedures and policies to return athletes to participation following injury or illness.'

The Dispatch reports that about 100 people gathered Friday afternoon in Columbus to post fliers with the player's photo and description.