A 21-year-old student died as he and a friend tried to protect themselves from severe weather that took place Monday and Tuesday, according to officials.
University of Alabama officials said John Servati was a swimmer for the school and that he and a friend were taking refuge in a basement when a wall fell on top of him.
Servati was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
"John Servati was an extraordinary young man of great character and warmth who had a tremendously giving spirit," UA 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."
A school spokesman told ABC News that Servati was with his girlfriend who was not injured.
"John definitely had a genuine heart," Alabama team captain Phillip Deaton said in a release. "He was a carefree guy who always had this huge smile on his face. He was my training partner for three years and I can tell you that while he liked to goof around and have fun, when he stepped up on the block he was intensely focused -- he was a competitor and an amazing teammate. As a team, we are doing the best we can right now."
In April 2011 a tornado hit the same area killing more than 50 people near Tuscaloosa.
Members of the University of Georgia Swim and Dive team showed their support on Twitter.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to our SEC swimming and diving families in Alabam and Florida," the Tweet said. Members of the team were shown holding up signs that said "SEC Family" and "Roll Tide."
The University of Florida's dive coach died in a boat crash last week.
http://twitter.com/UGASwimDive/status/461262965115981824