The Zanesville and Muskingum communities are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Jason Gatewood, a standout athlete, cherished teammate, and devoted family man who passed away unexpectedly.
Gatewood, a 1997 graduate of Maysville High School, was a four-time letter winner in wrestling, a three-time letter winner in both baseball and football, and a powerhouse across all arenas he stepped into.
He was a fierce competitor and a natural leader, widely respected on and off the field.
Jason Gatewood Had A Career Of Athletic Excellence
In high school, Gatewood’s achievements were legendary.
As a senior, he led the Panthers to the 1996 MVL baseball championship and a sectional title in 1997, serving as team captain while batting an impressive .379 and maintaining a 2.30 ERA.
His performance earned him unanimous All-MVL first-team honors, East District first-team accolades, and solidified his status as a top-tier athlete.
In football, Gatewood was All-Ohio, All-MVL, and named a Times Recorder Prime Time Player after leading the league in receptions and tackles (107).
He represented Maysville in the Muskingum-Licking All-Star game, wearing his jersey with pride.
As a wrestler, he was a three-time district qualifier, a two-time MVL and sectional champion, and a team captain with a career record of 75-26, helping Maysville place as district runner-up in 1997.
Jason Gatewood Became Collegiate Record-Setter
Jason Gatewood continued his athletic journey at Muskingum University, becoming a four-year letter winner in both baseball and football.
On the baseball diamond, he was named All-OAC, Team MVP in 2000, and was awarded the prestigious Roy “Red” Turner Strive for Excellence Award in 2001.
He still holds school records for wins, appearances, and innings pitched.
In football, Gatewood was All-OAC and the team’s defensive MVP, recording 99 tackles in 2000.
His athletic talents didn’t go unnoticed professionally either.
In 2001, Gatewood was drafted in the second round of the Frontier League draft by the Springfield Capitals, taking his talents to the next level and representing Zanesville with pride.
Jason Gatewood Is Mourned By Family And Friends
Outside of his athletic accomplishments, Jason was known as a loyal friend, a gentle leader, and a devoted father and fiancé.
He lived in Zanesville, Ohio, and built a life grounded in family and community.
His fiancée, Laura Jane Addington Kolbe, shared the heart-wrenching news with friends and loved ones:
“As some of you know and some may not know we lost Jason Gatewood today. I lost my fiancé, my best friend, and our kids lost their dad. This has been the hardest day of my life… Please keep my family in your prayers. We love and miss Jason already.”
Jason’s son, Lincoln Gatewood, has followed in his father’s footsteps as a state-level wrestler, proudly carrying forward his father’s competitive spirit and legacy on the mat.
Friends and teammates have been pouring out love and remembrance for Gatewood, with one saying,
“Rest in Peace Jason Gatewood…. god this one hurts bad…. An honest, trustworthy man of men…. You were as good as they come. It breaks my heart thinking of those you’ve left behind.”
Another added,
“Damn man, this one hurts. Love you brother Jason Gatewood. Never has there been a better friend. RIP #44.”
The family will share funeral arrangements and further memorial details in the coming days.
