ALABAMA – A University of Alabama athlete died after protecting his girlfriend from a collapsing wall on Monday evening.

A retaining wall collapsed on men’s swimming and diving team member John Servati, 21, while he stayed in an off-campus home’s basement with a friend, WSFA reports. He was taken to DCH Regional Medical Center and later pronounced dead.
Anna Rae Gwarjanski, captain of the University’s women’s swimming and diving team, tweeted that Servati managed to hold up the wall and save his girlfriend’s life that night, Al.com reports.
‘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,’ she said.
‘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.’
Servati was a business student from Tupelo, Mississippi, according to his University bio page, and scored at the SEC Championships. A successful student, he was also listed as having a 3.55 GPA in 2013.
‘John Servati was an extraordinary young man of great character and warmth who had a tremendously giving spirit,’ UA head coach Dennis Pursley said in a statement. ‘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.’  (read more)