Former New Japan Pro Wrestling star and 2017 NJPW Young Lions Cup winner, Katsuya Kitamura, passed away on October 12th, with the cause of death currently unknown, according to a report from Tokyo Sports.

Kitamura joined New Japan Pro Wrestling’s dojo in 2015, but did not make his professional debut until September 2016, facing off against Tomoyuki Oka (now known as The Great-O-Khan) in a match that went to a time limit draw. Kitamura wrestled several matches after, and was part of the 2017 NJPW Young Lions Cup, a tournament that he won, defeating everyone in the block.

Kitamura departed New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2019 and two years later, made his debut for the RIZIN MMA promotion, losing to Bobby Ologun via Rear Naked Choke at RIZIN 32 on November 20th, 2021.

On behalf of Wrestling-News.Net, we would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Katsuya Kitamura.