Tragedy struck the small town of Tuscaloosa, Alabama last week. 21-year old John Servati was killed when a string of vicious storms and tornadoes swept through Alabama. Servati died while holding up a retaining wall to allow his girlfriend to escape out of the house. He was taken to DCH Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

“He saved my life and I shouldn’t be here. I mean he’s my hero.” Servati’s Lauren Swann   girlfriend told WSFA.

Originally from Mississippi, Servati attended the University of Alabama as business student and swimmer. He was an open U.S. qualifier and set school records in both swim events; freestyle and backstroke. Servati was also a regular on the Dean’s list and Honor Roll and maintained a 3.55 GPA. His hometown of Tupelo held a memorial service for him where his old coaches, friends, and families attended. The service honored his life as a great swimmer and a man with a pure heart.

“”Ultimately, John had two dreams in life, to swim for the University of Alabama and to be a hero. He accomplished both.” Servati’s roommate and Alabama swimmer Jake Reynolds said.

The memorial held at Tupelo’s Calvary Baptist Church included hundreds and hundreds of people whose lives were touched by Servati before his death. They filled the church to near-capacity. By 1:40 p.m., roughly 20 minutes before the funeral began, no seats remained in the sanctuary, sending hundreds more to the balcony. Perched next to Servati’s closed casket were symbols of his truest passions. An easel draped Servati’s Alabama letterman jacket while a satchel full of arrows was to the left. There was also a picture of a young childhood Servati with his childhood dog. Nearby his swim caps hung.

Lucas Smith John’s teenage swim coach said John “was like coaching Curious George” because “John was so full of life, he was everywhere.”

Servati’s coaches, friends, and families all spoke about John’s life in a treasuring way. Those who came out to see the memorial could tell what a dedicated, strong, and kind-hearted man John grew up to be. The University of Alabama has also established a scholarship fund in his honor. The goal is to endow one of the men’s swimming and diving team’s scholarships. Donations can be made online or mailed. John Servati will be forever remembered as a hero and bright young man.