Campbellsville University reacts to student death

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) — Its been a few days since the death of 18-year- Josiah Kilman, a student at Campbellsville University.

“Josiah, was a bright light. With an incredible testimony,” said Campbellsville University President, Joseph Hopkins, as he recalled the memory of Kilman on Monday.

18-year-old Kilman, originally from Columbia Falls, Montana, was a rising star for the Campbellsville Tigers wrestling team.

“He came to us from Montana, where he already was known as a person of Christian character, he came to be a part of a wonderful wrestling team to be a champion of character here on our campus,” added Hopkins.

Kilman was on scholarship at the university, a student of Theology and Biblical Studies.
He also was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“This is a time of hurting for our campus,” also said University President Hopkins.

On Saturday, tragedy struck the university, when 18-year-old Josiah was found unresponsive, later pronounced dead.
A manhunt began for 21-Charles “Zeke” Escalera, who was found in Green County, about 20 minutes away from campus, hiding out in a barn.
Escalera now charged with murder and burglary.

School records show Kilman and Escalera, were both members of the school’s wrestling team during different years.

“We have been in touch with Josiah his family and have stayed in contact with them. They are in fact on their way to Campbellsville to be a part of what’s happening here. There is great pain there. And they have asked that we respect privacy,” said Hopkins.

The Taylor County Coroner’s Office said Kilman’s cause of death was asphyxia by manual strangulation. Investigators are still trying to determine a motive in Josiah’s death.

Kilman’s family has a go fund me to help the family with expenses, you can click here to donate.