A swimmer on the University of Alabama swim team made the ultimate sacrifice saving his girlfriend during Monday’s tornado that ripped through Tuscaloosa.
John Servati, 21, was taking shelter with his girlfriend when a concrete wall began to collapse on them. Servati used his strength to hold up the wall so his girlfriend could escape before it collapsed upon him.
Servati was rescued by emergency personnel but died at DCH Regional Medical Center later that night from his injuries.
“John Servati was an extraordinary young man of great character and warmth who had a tremendously giving spirit,” Alabama coach Dennis Pursley said. “During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go out ot his family and to all who had the good fortune to know him.”
Servati’s girlfriend suffered only superficial injuries and was treated and released from the hospital. She is currently with her family dealing with her boyfriend’s death.
A New York family is grieving the loss of an 8-year-old boy who saved six relatives from a burning trailer home before dying in an attempt to save a disabled uncle.
Tyler Doohan woke his grandmother, aunt and cousins after spotting a fire in the family’s single wide trailer in Penfield, New York. After the others were out of the house, Tyler tried to rescue his disabled uncle Steven and grandfather but was overcome with smoke.
Tyler’s body was found in a back bedroom near the bed of the uncle he was trying to save.
Fire officials have not confirmed the cause of the fire but suspect it started from an electrical problem.
Neighbors told reporters that the residents of the trailer had said the managers of the trailer park considered their home “unlivable” on at least one occasion and expressed concern about the number of people living in the trailer. One neighbor said she was filled with regret for not calling county officials to save the children.