University of Alabama swimmer John Servati forever secured his legacy as a hero when he willingly sacrificed his life while holding up a collapsing wall so that his girlfriend could escape unharmed.
As severe weather swept through much of the Southeast this week, Servati and his girlfriend sought shelter in the basement of his house near campus in Tuscaloosa. When a retaining wall began to collapse on top of them, Servati jumped into action, holding it up long enough her his girlfriend to get out. Unfortunately the weight was ultimately too much for his body to bear.
The only thing in life worth chasing is the One who first chased us. – John Servati
“John Servati was an extraordinary young man of great character and warmth who had a tremendously giving spirit,” UA coach Dennis Pursley said in a statement after news of his death broke. “During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to all who had the good fortune to know him. He will forever be in our hearts and a part of the Crimson Tide legacy.”
“John definitely had a genuine heart,” Alabama swim team captain Phillip Deaton added. “He was a carefree guy who always had this huge smile on his face. He was my training partner for three years and I can tell you that while he liked to goof around and have fun, when he stepped up on the block he was intensely focused — he was a competitor and an amazing teammate. As a team, we are doing the best we can right now.”
Servati competed in freestyle and backstroke for Alabama’s team, which came in 12th at the NCAA championships only weeks ago.
Here are some things being said about Servati by his friends and media outlets around the world:
Fellow UA swimmer Anna Rae Gwarjanski:
John Servati died a hero. Held up a concrete wall long enough for his girlfriend to get out from under it before it collapsed again on him.
— Anna Rae Gwarjanski (@annaraeoflight) April 29, 2014
John's mom told our team this morning he always wanted to be an Alabama swimmer, and he always wanted to be a hero. He accomplished both.
— Anna Rae Gwarjanski (@annaraeoflight) April 29, 2014
How am I just now seeing this? Look at John Servati's final tweet. Here's proof he cared for others before himself. pic.twitter.com/xQdAHWVzng
— Braden Bishop (@tbradenbishop) April 29, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the University of Alabama and the family of John Servati… a true hero gone way too soon.. LM
— Les Miles (@LSUCoachMiles) April 30, 2014
My heart goes out to
@UA_Athletics
and @AlabamaSwimDive
in the tragic death of swimmer John Servati. Praying for UA and his family.
— Jay Jacobs (@jayjacobsauad) April 29, 2014
‘University of Alabama Swimmer John Servati Died a Hero in Tornado’ – People Magazine
“Alabama swimmer John Servati remembered fondly by those whose lives he touched” – Yahoo! Sports
“Alabama athlete, 21, dies while trying to protect girlfriend from collapsing wall” – UK Daily Mail
“Alabama swimmer dies in tornado saving girlfriend’s life” – The Tennesseean
“John Servati ‘thrived off helping others,’ remembered as ‘a hero every day’” – AL.com
“UA swimmer from Tupelo died saving girlfriend” – The Clarion Ledger
John Servati: Memoir of a true southern gentleman – SwimSwam
“John Servati Dies After Saving Girlfriend’s Life in Storm” – Christian Post
“John Servati, Hero” – The American Conservative
“Hero tornado victim John Servati sacrificed life to save girlfriend’s life in Alabama twister” – Carin Post
Alabama swimmer Phillip Deaton remembers John Servati:
According to The Clarion Ledger, visitation and viewing for John Servati will be Friday at Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo, Miss. from 2-7 p.m.
A short visitation will also be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the church, followed by the funeral procession.
Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims
