Sporty Alex loved uni and was ‘always joking about’
FAMILY AND FRIENDS PAY TRIBUTE AFTER TRAGEDY
A GRIEVING family has paid tribute to a Nottingham student who “had so many plans” and was “always joking about”.
The death of Alex Barusevicus, a University of Nottingham student, has been felt across the Nottingham student community and in his hometown of Bradford, where he played rugby.
The 21-year-old was studying mathematics and had returned to his student house in Lenton in the new year after spending Christmas with his family.
His mum, Teresa Barusevicus, 48, said she was visited by police at her home who informed that her son had been found dead at home on January 21.
The hospital worker spoke to the Post of her grief and confusion at the loss of her youngest son, who she described as “so happy” and that he “had so many plans”.
“I never thought it would happen to me,” she added.
“He loved being at university and was into sport and exercise – he had just started American football and played rugby here.
“He was also into cycling like his older brother, Peter, who took him under his wing.
“He had just got a new bike he bought second-hand and was working on it – he would ask me questions all the time for my opinion.
“It’s all just such a shock to me. I was always there to pick him up from the train station when he comes home. I keep thinking he is just away at university.”
Teresa said her son loved Yorkshire Tea, was always tidy and that his bedroom has been left immaculate.
Alex’s younger sister, Katrina, 15, added: “I’ll always remember him with a smile, always happy.
“I knew he cared but he was annoying, and always joking about.
“He never took things too seriously and would always try new
things. He loved studying, and his bike.”
Tributes have also been left for Alex from people he has touched throughout his life.
School friend Hayaat Karim, 20, said: “Alex was part of a close friendship group that all grew up together.
“His smile made you smile and he got on well with people, found it easy to make friends.
“He loved my grandma’s spicy cooking and as friends we all enjoyed going out for food together.”
Alex’s girlfriend, Georgia Hazell, 19, said the pair met on Valentine’s Day last year.
Georgia, a Nottingham Trent University student, said she thought he was “good looking” and “absolutely loved his smile”.
“He was really popular and there was a big group of friends in Nottingham,” she added.
“I wish he could have seen what people had to say about him.”
A fundraiser at uk.gofundme. com/f/bench-in-honour-of-alexbarusevicus to install a bench to honour Alex has raised nearly £4,500.
Any remaining funds will go to Alex’s funeral.
A University of Nottingham spokesperson said:
“As a community, we are deeply saddened by the sudden death of one of our students and send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates who we are supporting at this difficult time.”
Detective Constable Dionne Love said: “Emergency services were called to a house in Albert Grove in Lenton following a report of a sudden death to a man. Officers attended the property at around 12.40pm on January 21. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”
■ If you’d like to talk things through, Samaritans are there to listen. Call 116 123 free, day or night, or visit Samaritans’ website.
Support is also available at the University of Nottingham and
Nottingham Trent University as well as from national charities such as Mind, CALM, and Anxiety UK.