Student dies from injuries
A 20-year-old University of Nevada, Reno student was declared brain dead Tuesday morning at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center after he fell down a flight of stairs Saturday afternoon in an off-campus house on West 15th Street, family and police said.
Mike Pietrzak, a general studies major, suffered a serious blow to the back of his head as a result of Saturday’s fall, according to a UNR police report filed Sunday.
After Pietrzak was declared brain dead on Tuesday, his organs were harvested Friday, said Pietrzak’s father, Mike Pietrzak.
“It was his final gift,” he said.
Reno Police Detective Adam Wygnanski said Friday that Pietrzak was drinking alcohol before the Nevada-UNLV game and then went to the off-campus house where he continued to drink with five friends while they watched the Cal-Oregon football game on television.
Wygnanski said Pietrzak told his friends that he was going to go downstairs into the basement to get some sleep.
Shortly after Pietrzak left to go downstairs to get some sleep, Damon Booth, a 20-year-old criminal justice major, said he went to go check on Pietrzak. That’s when Booth found Pietrzak unconscious in the basement of his off-campus house.
“It was a freak accident,” said Booth, who assisted in transporting Pietrzak to the hospital.
Wygnanski said Pietrzak’s blood alcohol content was above the legal limit by “a lot.” The official toxicology report has not been released.
“Everything points towards a tragic accidental death,” Wygnanski said.
Wygnanski said he did not know if alcohol was the cause of Pietrzak’s fall.
“I’m sure it contributed to it but we don’t know for sure,” he said. “Whether he lost his balance or he passed out we don’t know.”
Friends and family gathered at 10 p.m. Sunday night for a candlelight vigil on the front lawn of the ATO house to remember Pietrzak.
At least 400 candles were given to people as they crowded around the house’s front steps.
Many in the crowd, largely composed of fraternity and sorority members, wiped away tears as they watched a slide show of Pietrzak projected onto the face of the ATO house.
Members of Pietrzak’s family, including his mother and father, also attended the vigil where they shared stories of him.
“Thank you, all of you, for making this so special,” Pietrzak’s father, Mike, said. “I know he feels your spirit, he hears you. It hasn’t even been a day and a half, but it feels so much longer than that.”
Nathan Digangi, a 24-year-old philosophy and computer engineering major, read a Biblical passage, John 15:13, to the crowd: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends,” he said.
Digangi, who serves as ATO’s chaplain, said Pietrzak’s accident reminded him of the fragility of life.
“Lots of people on campus need a reality check,” he said. “It’s just too bad this is the way it had to come.”
Active ATO members gathered on the front porch to sing “Our Jewels,” one of ATO’s traditional songs.
Friends and family then shared stories about Pietrzak.
One friend reminisced how Pietrzak wanted a bowl haircut for Halloween in order to dress up as one of the characters from the movie “Dumb and Dumber.”
Another recalled a rush event where ATO members went cliff-diving and Pietrzak was the first to do a backflip off a cliff.
Adam Cardona, a 19-year-old ATO pledge, said Pietrzak befriended him when they met during this semester’s rush events.
“If he affected me in that way, I can only imagine how he affected other people,” Cardona said.
When the vigil ended around 10:45 p.m., ATO President Christian Reviglio invited people to come into the house for refreshments and a chance to look at photos of Pietrzak.
Shannon Ellis, UNR’s vice president of student life services, attended the vigil and said it was very heartfelt.
“Throughout (the vigil), you could hear the crying,” Ellis said.
Maggie Dunning, a 20-year-old UNR student, left a message on Pietrzak’s Facebook wall Monday afternoon.
“It’s so gloomy out today,” she wrote. “It seems like the whole world is crying for you.”
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October 3rd, 2007 at 12:41 am
Good job, Brian and Jessica. Not mentioning alcohol anywhere in the article, even to refute the obvious, was a classy call. Or was it the editor that made you take it out?
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:59 am
Although your point is valid. How fucking thoughtless of you to say such a thing in such a critical time of sorrow for those hurt by such a great loss.
October 3rd, 2007 at 1:19 pm
I agree, and way to be a coward by not putting your name on your opinion. Also, so you know, Brian is the editor, do some research.
October 3rd, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Man up and put your name Anonymous…. If your scared go to church!!!
October 3rd, 2007 at 1:57 pm
You should really take a look at yourself “MR. ANONYMOUS” I can’t believe anyone would write that. Mike was a great guy and a blast to be around… You really should either put your name after you write some shit like that or HOW ABOUT YOU JUST NOT SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.
October 3rd, 2007 at 2:16 pm
The Alpha Gamma Delta’s at UNLV are praying for Michael’s family & friends and our thoughts are with the brothers of ATO.
October 3rd, 2007 at 4:07 pm
“HOW ABOUT YOU JUST NOT SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.”
That’s what the Sagebrush should have done if they aren’t going to report the facts.
How did he fall? Was alcohol involved? Was it a poor construction job? Was he pushed? Was the building in a state of poor maintenance? Is there something more that can be said that will help prevent future accidents? Is the Sagebrush participating in a cover-up?
Whoever the first poster was, he or she brings up valid (if harsh) points, and all of you are letting your personal feelings overshadow a blatant attempt at silencing the truth.
October 3rd, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Yes this is a terrible travesty to ATO, the university community and of course his friends and family. However, to dodge the cause of this accident is like preaching abstinence only education. You need to tell people that drinking an asinine amount can cause serious consequences such as what happened with Mikey. We can never get alcohol tolerance watched by everyone but we can certainly keep it in their minds and the minds of friends who need to take care of their drunken friends. My warm thoughts and prayers.
October 3rd, 2007 at 7:22 pm
There is a grieving period… then there is a period where you can look back and say yes, we should learn from this. As of right now there are a hell of alot of people grieving. There is no reason to turn this into some sort of shit show. A cover up? Are you serious? Why don’t you ask one of the 400 plus people effected by this horrible accident what the facts are. They can fill you in on what happened if you are so inclined to know. Every person lives their lives differently. Mikey chose to live his life to the fullest… everyday. Whether or not that included alcohol… at the end of the day, does it really matter? It was his choice. Can’t we take away from this… life is short and fragile? If this accident teaches us anything it would be that crappy things happen to good people. Cherish the ones you love and treat everyday like its your last. It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day drama. Please, let us grieve and then let us come together and learn from this.
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Yes, each person has an opinion of the situation. Everyone is entitled, but don’t speculate what happened when you have no idea the facts. No he wasn’t pushed, not a construction defect, or any other cause. IT WAS A TRAGIC ACCIDENT! The negative opinions are not comforting during a time when each person at the University, especially Mikey’s close friends and family, need positive support and sympathy. The alcohol consumption should not be the main focus for outsiders looking in on the situation. The main focus is that we lost an incredible friend, brother, and son. In addition, because people consume alcohol does not make them bad people. Don’t judge. Each person is unique, which is what makes this world so diverse. If only you could have met Mikey and you too would understand how special he is and why he has touched so many lives. He has impacted over 400 lives here in Reno alone, which is incredible. His positive attitude, love for life, compassion for everyone, and fun-loving personality will have a lasting imprint on all of our lives who knew him. The negativity will not change that.
October 3rd, 2007 at 11:02 pm
“Whether or not that included alcohol… at the end of the day, does it really matter?”
Yes, it does matter, especially when it can help save other’s lives.
And, I’ve spoken with some of these 400 people that you mentioned, and they’ve informed me that the Sagebrush knows more than they’re letting on, so yes, it is being covered-up.
I’m not trying to be unsympathetic. Mr. Pietrzak’s death upsets me greatly because it may be a part of an ongoing problem that this university has to deal with.
People need to know if this is another Albert Jerome “A.J.” Refuerzo Santos case: http://www.rgj.com/news/stories/html/2002/10/12/25828.php
Take your anger and put it towards making real reform, both policy-wise and among your peers, instead of using it on people like me. I’m tired of losing friends and family to these preventable situations.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:39 am
Of course alcohol was involved, of course it matters, but I don’t care what anyone has to say about the situation if it’s negative. Yes alcohol is an ongoing problem at EVERY university but unless you’re a devout 45 year old lifer Mormon then shut your hypocritical mouth about alcohol. Mikey was 20, he was young, he liked to party, be social, be around people and be happy. He cared about his friends and his friends opinions and yes, his alcohol consumption was discussed numerous times and not only did he listen, but he substantially decreased his intake so at the end of the day, it could have happened to anyone and considering that Mikey was not only a good friend of mine, but a good friend to hundreds of people, please stop being over analytical and arrogant and show some compassion to a delicate situation? If that means not saying anything at all then so be it, or maybe it’s you who needs a lesson in free speech regarding morality and ignorance. Who cares if the Sagebrush is is “covering” anything up. It’s called dignity.I love you Mikey!
October 4th, 2007 at 6:31 am
My heart goes out to the family of Mike. He was at a good place in his life. He loved his friends and school and his family. A sudden death is a kiss from God and until we see him again may God hold him in the palm of His hand. Don’t worry about what opinions are out there. Live your OWN lives respectfully and responsiblily.
October 4th, 2007 at 6:41 am
I am Mikey’s step-sister, but I have never considered him anything other than my brother. I have known him since he was in pre-school and I know Mikey would not want people to be angry or fighting; he would want people to celebrate his life. Personally, I know my family greatly appreciates how much support all of the students have shown during this horrible time. I can not tell you how much it has meant to us to know that Mikey was surrounded by so many people that loved him so much. If anyone has a problem with how the university is handling this situation then by all means talk to the administration about it. If people feel things on campus need to change, then actively do something to bring about change, but keep in mind what happened to Mikey is a tragic accident and this situation should not be used or twisted into anyone’s personal agenda. As far as a cover up, that is absurd! It is the responsibility of the police, not a university newspaper, to investigate the circumstances. As part of Mikey’s family, we great appreciate how the Sagebrush has reported this story and hope that everyone will keep Mikey alive in spirit. Please continue to talk and laugh about all the wonderful memories we have of Mikey.
October 4th, 2007 at 8:41 am
Cali - “You need to tell people that drinking an asinine amount can cause serious consequences such as what happened with Mikey.”
It’s not the news department’s job to moralize on excessive drinking.
October 4th, 2007 at 9:05 am
I thought it should be known that the ASUN Senate, at our meeting last night, stood by those who are grieving. At the urging of Sen. Ian McMenemy, one of Mike’s ATO brothers, we observed a moment of silence in his memory. We also adjourned last night as a mark of respect to Mike’s memory.
This is a time for mourning a great loss to our campus community. We can be critical later, but right now we should do what we can to support those who are grieving this terrible loss.
October 4th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
It would really help if the Sagebrush could report on what Pietrzak’s BAC was at the time of the fall. If it was .05-.15, it was a tragic accident. But if it was between .15-.25 then it was more a case of irresponsiblity. And if significant alcohol was involved, the biggest question yet to be answered is who provided it to this underage student? (Hopefully that person is quickly seeking out a lawyer.)
October 4th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Brandon, HOW DARE YOU ATTEMPT TO BLAME MIKEY FOR THIS!!! Would you like your medical records to be reported in a newspaper???? Why don’t we put your life under a microscope and report on it? My brother died from an accident! Regardless of his BAC he didn’t deserve to die! He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, etc.
October 4th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Dear readers,
For a college newspaper, few stories are harder to report than the death of a student. Mike Pietrzak is no different. The editors of UNR’s student newspaper, The Nevada Sagebrush, make it a point to accurately dispel rumors with coverage of the campus community. But in order to accurately dispel rumors, we must be absolutely sure about our facts. We can never speculate, especially about the circumstances surrounding a death. The facts we report are based on objective sources with absolute knowledge of a situation – in the case of this story they are police, family and close friends. None of our reporting is based on hearsay or rumors. We must also keep in mind those who are affected by our reporting. We cannot treat a story such as this one with callous. One of our roles as journalists is to minimize harm, especially among Pietrzak’s family and close colleagues. But another role we take on as student journalists is to report for the greater good. And as we begin to address alcohol consumption among students at UNR, the least we can hope for is for a campus-wide discussion about this issue. We are not here to point fingers right now. We’re here to facilitate a conversation this campus needs to have.
Thank you,
Brian Duggan
Editor in chief
The Nevada Sagebrush
editor@nevadasagebrush.com
October 4th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
FYI…Sober people fall down stairs all the time… and this is not the place to try to change the university’s policy about drinking. This is the place for people to talk about and remember mikey… if your comment is about anything else perhaps you should take it elsewhere where it could actually make a difference
October 4th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Brain and others at The Nevada Sagebrush, as I stated earlier my family greatly appreciates the manner in which you have reported Mikey’s death. Unfortunately, some others are not concerned about the pain Mikey’s friends and family are going through. Obviously, this is a very emotional time and I was utterly shocked to see someone was ignorant enough to imply Mikey brought this on himself; therefore, I responded emotionally.
October 4th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
This is a place for people to share their thoughts on the loss of Mikey. Not to say unnecessary things about someone you probably never even knew. So please, for the sake of those actually affected by such a tremendous loss, if you do not have anything to say about Mikey himself… reframe from saying anything at all.
October 4th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
As for Matt that stated and I quote
People need to know if this is another Albert Jerome “A.J.” Refuerzo Santos case: http://www.rgj.com/news/stories/html/2002/10/12/25828.php
Please, you have to be kidding me with this non sense. I was apart of the Greek System back then and that death right there was a bunch of kids jumping in Lake Manzanita including actives, I was told personally by that President and by another active of that fraternity that they had told A.J not to jump in the water. I had known that active throughout high school and he was deathly afraid of water and he himself told me that he did not jump in the water but still became a PIKE, which means A.J. sure as heck did not have to. From what I remember, A.J’s BAC was around a .05, if I can remember right this means he was not drunk and therefore did not die because of drinking! Please do not compare apples with oranges, you sound like a moron.
Matt if you did not know accidents occur everyday, 911 (that must have been caused by drinking)Hurricane Katrina (definitely caused by drinking)playing football and having your neck broken while making a tackle (David Pollack-Cincinnati Bengals)Pollack must have been wasted. Ohhh wait, these accidents had not thing to do with drinking but they did occur. Your statement has been refuted now jump in front of a bus. FIRE UP, we do not have all day. That could be considered an accident as well
To consider ATO involved in this matter is just absurd. To accuse his fraternity and his brothers (which he was a part of for nearly 3 years is just ignorant) of having anything to do with his death his pushing it and pushing your luck!! Honestly, this was at a house party off campus after the NEVADA WOLFPACK stomped out UNLV.
What person at that tailgater did not have anything to drink. Think about it……….. Unless you are freaking punk(I would say something about your sexuality but I thought it was not be appropriate) or a reformed alcoholic (even they might make an exception for the game), you were drinking at the game.
All I can say now is that the only thing we can do is pray for Mikey and his family for their tragic loss!!
L&R
Colin
ATO FALL 2000
October 4th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Ohhh yeah and on that sexuality thing I spoke about above, both orientations were drinking at the game so I will take that comment back and by no means did I mean to offend anyone. I apologize for that comment!!
Matt just don’t accuse people of something you know nothing about!!
Also that jumping in front of a bus would be considered more of a suicide, you getting hit by a bus while you are walking across Virginia street would be more of an accident, that has been known to happen on Virginia street and Sierra Street!!
Again my deepest apologies for those comments
Colin
October 5th, 2007 at 1:30 am
Anyone who knew Mikey, even in the slightest, knew he was a wonderful human being, regardless of any habits he may have had. Let all of us friends know that we will someday see him, in a better place, and we will celebrate his life together, free of argument, judgment, stupidity, and ignorance. Peace and love forever Mikey.
October 5th, 2007 at 7:55 am
Most of us have had too much to drink, whether as a college student or adult, and that is never going to change. The tragedy here is he was just growing-up, fell down the stairs, & died. When we fall down the stairs we are suppose to break a leg or something, not die!!
I don’t pray much but I have prayed more in the past 4 days than i have in years. It is tragic to lose a friend, brother - but it must be something beyond emotion to lose a son.
Mike & Gail our thoughts & prayers are with you as you grieve the lose of your son.
Love, Linda
October 5th, 2007 at 8:21 am
There’s nothing wrong with asking questions. You people need to grow up. Get ready for the real world. And get a thicker skin! Just because someone questions the official story, doesn’t make that person bad. Bunch of whining bitches on this message thread. Mikey died. That’s terrible. But why did he fall,? That’s the bottom line for people on the outside looking in. I’m an alum and that’s the question I’m asking myself right now. The article didn’t answer that question and that’s unfortunate.
October 5th, 2007 at 10:21 am
Mike’s mom, Karen, is my friend of mine, and I can’t imagine the unspeakable pain and grief she and her family are going through right now. Karen, all your friends are here for you always, and our thoughts and prayers are with you now during this unbearable time. We love you.
October 5th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
Mike was a special gift from God. That is the point here. Yes, he was under age and yes, he was drinking. True it was wrong, but that is for God to decide not you, and hopefully others will think twice before taking another drink young or old. Mike was a kindred Spirit full of love & hope.
Mike, Gail, Lisa, Kristin, Karen and the rest of the family and friends God is with you and Mike will always be in your hearts, he was a great Inspiration.
October 5th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
My heart goes out to the parents of this young man. A young life full of promise cut so short; how heart breakingly sad. I cannot imagine how I could continue living if I had received this tragic news about my son. Although I didn’t know Mikey, I cried for days when I learned of his injuries and then his passing. I can only imagine the pain and sense of loss his parents are experiencing and will continue to experience for the rest of their lives. My son is a junior at UNR and also a member of a fraternity. He had been in Mikey’s presence just days before this accident. As parents, we constantly worry about sending our children off to college and pray that they are happy, healthy and safe at all times. Whether our child is taken from us while simply crossing a street, while participating in unnecessary risks, or they are drinking when tragedy occurs, the loss is no less. I pray that the memories of Mikey that his parents, family, Brothers and friends have will eventually bring a smile to their face and lessen their pain, even if only for a moment or two.
Separate and apart from above, there is under age drinking on every college campus. I just pray that these young men and women are aware of the unnecessary risks they may sometimes choose to take and the possible consequences. I particularly worry about alcohol poisoning. It may appear that you are seeing someone who has simply passed out from drinking. But always keep in mind that if they have had too much to drink, they may be laying lifeless right in front of you. Please be careful and watch over each other - all of you. Someone out there loves you more than life itself and doesn’t want to receive that life changing phone call about their precious child.
October 6th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Can everyone please just shut the fuck up!!! GOOD LORD!! NONE OF THIS SHIT MATTERS!! WHAT MATTERS IS HE’S GONE NOW AND HE’S NEVER COMING BACK. WHO CARES WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE?? THE TRAGIC PART IS EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT ALL OF THIS STUPID SHIT LIKE ITS REALLY OF ANY FUCKING IMPORTANCE. WHEN REALLY NO ONE SHOULD SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!!! NO ONE. DO YOU KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE TO LOSE A BEST FRIEND? A BROTHER? A SON? OBVIOUSLY NOT BECAUSE IF YOU DID…. YOU WOULD SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTHS. SO FUCK EVERYONE WHO THINKS THE ONLY THING WRONG THAT HAPPENED ON THAT DAY WAS THE FACT THAT THEY WERE DRINKING. FUCK ALL OF YOU. BECAUSE REALLY… THE THING THAT HAPPENED THAT WAS REALLY FUCKING WRONG… WAS THAT MIKEY DIED!!! DO YOU GET THAT?!?! MIKEY DIED!!! THATS THE SAD PART. THATS WHATS WRONG. THATS WHAT WE SHOULD BE GRIEVING AND TALKING ABOUT.
My heart goes out to all of those hurt by the loss of Mikey. Especially his parents. May you rest in peace Mikey.
October 6th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Let’s hope no one dies from alcohol after todays game.
But should it also be mentioned that this person was not the only student who passed because of drinking last Sat?
October 8th, 2007 at 8:26 am
All caps and foul language is inappropriate.
October 8th, 2007 at 9:11 am
I have never seen people more passionate about a young man’s life. Yes, there are questions that this article leaves you with, but that is part of good journalism and the writer also stated that they did not have an offical public autopsy report so they are unable to answer these questions for themselves. We will probally never know if alcohol was the reason or if it was just a freak accident that was made worse because of the alcohol, an even if it was who cares, what matters is that this young man who has made a great impression on hundreds of lives is gone and that makes the issues surrounding his death pale in comparison to the way he lived the rest of his life. I could bear to think how my life would be if I lost a friend like Mikey, and I sure as hell wouldn’t want to hear the negative comments that some have posted. Just think of that, all of you who wrote something that his friends have thought was incosiderate. How would you have felt if he was your friend, brother, or son? I may not be apart of the UNR community but my heart goes out to everyone who knows him and I pray that you all find peace soon.
October 8th, 2007 at 9:13 am
I correct myself it was toxicology report not autopsy and here is the quote from the article.
“The official toxicology report has not been released.”
October 8th, 2007 at 9:43 am
To the family and friends of Mikey: most of what is being said here is not meant to be personal. I think most of us just want to have a serious and honest discussion of an unfortunate situation (regardless of who the student was).
October 8th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Although all of these postings have not meant to be personal or in disrespect for Mikey or his family, this is a sensitive topic and should be taken that way. Each and every person who has had something to say has the right to say it, but there should be a level of respect shown to people who are grieving and dealing with their loss.
There is also no true reason to know personal information such as the BAC level at the time of the incident. Enough is known to know that this should be taken as a learning experience for each and every person at the University of Nevada, whether it be to not take life for granted because it is precious and short or whether it is to be more cautious when living your life. People should reflect on their own lives and their own actions and stop focusing on the exact facts of someone else’s life.
October 8th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Until that day man…
October 10th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Love You Mikey! XOXO
October 23rd, 2007 at 8:33 pm
All these drunks are brain-dead. Go to college and learn how to get stupid.
November 1st, 2007 at 3:30 am
I am just an out-of-towner who happened to be at the hospital in Reno visiting my mother-in-law when this tragic accident happened to Mike. I just wanted to say that my wife and I were seriously touched by the love and dedication the friends and family of Mike showed. He must have truly been a special young man. Ignor the heartless posts by the ignorant. The type of people who have no business dissecting and criticizing this young man’s life and death. The conspiracy theorists who think they have all the answers but are truly just pitiful. They are absurd. I don’t like to wish harm on anybody but I hardly think these types of folks who write all these negative things about the deceased feel half the love I witnessed that night at the hospital. To Mike, I want to say thank you for touching the lives of so many. To all of the friends and family of Mike, I want to say thank you for restoring my faith in humanity. To all the inappropriate cowards, I want you to know how tacky and out of place you are. You don’t have a positive purpose in life and the way your parents raised you is a tragic accident in itself.
January 11th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Rest in peace, Mike.