Athlete Hit In The Head With A Brick Dies In Hospital

A terrible case of retribution gone wrong has now become a murder probe.

Michael Serba, the 25-year-old Toronto hockey player who was hit in the head with a brick after an altercation outside a bar Saturday night, was taken off life support Tuesday.

He died in the afternoon.

When the college student returned to Toronto from his studies at Norwich University in Vermont, his family never dreamed it would be a one-way trip.

The athlete, who was working on his Master’s degree, had just left Brydon’s Bar near Bloor and Jane on the weekend to use an A.T.M.

For reasons that may never be clear, a suspect approached the victim as he walked back to the saloon through an alley and punched him in the head without warning.

Serba went back to the bar and his friends went looking for the culprit. But before they could find him, the man found Serba again. This time, he hit the surprised victim in the head with a brick and he collapsed bleeding onto the sidewalk.

Serba’s injuries were severe and he lapsed into a coma from which he would never awaken.

Cops quickly collared 22-year-old Nicholas Crowdis and charged him in the brutal attack. He was facing attempted murder charges but those are expected to be upgraded to murder when he returns to court next Monday.

An autopsy on the victim will be performed Wednesday.

Serba’s family was by his bedside when he died. They have been trying to bear up bravely under the worst circumstances any friends or relatives can endure. As they agonize over the loss of a much-loved young adult, they continually ask one question: why?

So far, police have been unable to provide them with any answers.

Serba seemed destined to make a real contribution to the world when he graduated. But if circumstances wouldn’t allow him to do it in life, he’s been able to do it in death. His organs have been donated to help others.

Statement from Michael Serba’s Family – November 29, 2007

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.