Alabama Swimmer Killed By Severe Weather

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.

John Servati 3

 

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Maya Carter
9 years ago

Sending strength and prayers to the family.

jeff
9 years ago

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!

Tox
9 years ago

Prayers go out to John’s family and friends for their tragic loss. The entire swim community mourns with you.

Don Watson
9 years ago

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.

Sam Kendricks
9 years ago

Very, very tragic. My thoughts go out the family, friends and teammates in Mississippi, at Alabama and beyond. Roll Tide!

Pam
9 years ago

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.

James
9 years ago

“No greater love” – a true man and gentleman. Thought and prayers in this tragic time.

Kevin T
9 years ago

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.

About Tony Carroll

Tony Carroll

The writer formerly known as "Troy Gennaro", better known as Tony Carroll, has been working with SwimSwam since April of 2013. Tony grew up in northern Indiana and started swimming in 2003 when his dad forced him to join the local swim team. Reluctantly, he joined on the condition that …

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