With the intense storm systems that have been rolling across the country, several people are still missing and almost 30 people have been pronounced dead. WBRC is reporting that John Servati, a swimmer at the University of Alabama was killed as a result of the severe weather sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning. Servati was taking shelter in a friend’s basement when a retention wall collapsed. He was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Sources tell us that Servati pushed his girlfriend out the way to protect her as the wall collapsed. She was unharmed.
Servati, originally from Tupelo, Mississippi, was finishing his junior year at the University of Alabama. The 21 year-old made the dean’s list his freshman and sophomore years, and was also on Alabama’s SEC Championships team his first two years as a backstroker/middle distance freestyler.
Tupelo, Mississippi was another area that was hit hard by the storm. So far, 12 have been pronounced dead.
SwimSwam’s thoughts go out to Servati, his family, and the Alabama swimming family. We will share more details about a service when they become available.
Sending strength and prayers to the family.
I did not have the pleasure of knowing this young man but can tell he was a true hero! May God bless his family as his love shines down upon them from heaven!
Prayers go out to John’s family and friends for their tragic loss. The entire swim community mourns with you.
I am saddened to hear about the tragic death of John Servani.. An hero to many with his courageous action to save his girlfriends and it resulted in him losing his life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family , his teammates, coaching staff and U of Alabama community.
Very, very tragic. My thoughts go out the family, friends and teammates in Mississippi, at Alabama and beyond. Roll Tide!
Praying for this family. I so very sorry for your loss. I just can’t imagine. I pray for the peace that passes all I understanding that only God can give.
“No greater love” – a true man and gentleman. Thought and prayers in this tragic time.
Such a tragedy. I did not know this young man but I certainly want to give my condolences to his friends and family. This man was a hero he saved his girlfriend’s life at the expense of his own life.