Serba Family Releases Statement On Death Of Son
Posted November 29, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
“I love you, buddy. Life can have cruel twists of fate.”
That was just one of a slew of touching notes and tributes left at a growing makeshift vigil for slain 25-year-old Michael Serba.
Everyone from teammates and friends of the star hockey player, to complete strangers are coming forward to offer their condolences.
“When I heard this morning on the radio that he died, it just really upset me today, and I feel for his family so much,” said one mourner among dozens who have visited the site of the brutal murder, lighting candles and paying their respects.
“My heart just goes out to him and his family. It’s just such an unnecessary loss of life,” adds another.
Serba was hit in the head with what was believed to be a brick as he left a Jane and Bloor St. bar Saturday night. He was in a coma, then taken off life support on Tuesday afternoon.
His family has decided to turn their tragedy into a kind of triumph, by donating the hockey player’s vital organs to those awaiting life saving transplants, a generous donation they made reference to in their touching tribute.
“When our family learned that Michael was no longer with us in body, we did not hesitate to donate his organs to help others in need,” they note.
“We are certain this is what our son would have wanted. His organs have now been recovered to save lives … to turn what has been a tragedy for our family to goodness for others and further Michael’s legacy.
Police have a 22-year-old in custody. They expect the current charges against Nicholas Crowdis to be upgraded to second-degree murder when he appears in court on Monday.
Serba Family Statement
“Yesterday our son succumbed to his severe injuries.
“Michael was a bright, energetic and compassionate young man who proved to be an inspiration to those who knew him. Today, Michael’s legacy lives on through the lives of others. When our family learned that Michael was no longer with us in body, we did not hesitate to donate his organs to help others in need. We are certain this is what our son would have wanted. His organs have now been recovered to save lives.
“Out of this tragedy we are comforted that Michael’s great many qualities of strength, determination, compassion and goodness continue to shine through beyond his life. As an eligible organ donor, Michael’s desire to help others, as he always has, carries on.
“We know Michael is at peace and smiling down at us while offering this most special gift.
“Our family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the staff of St. Joseph’s Health Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto police, and emergency personnel in caring for Michael in his final days.
“Finally, we appreciate the endless effort of hospital staff to save as many organs as possible to turn what has been a tragedy for our family to goodness for others and further Michael’s legacy.
“This has been a very difficult time for our family and we are thankful that the media has respected our family’s privacy.
“Thank you.”
