‘A BEAUTIFUL soul’ – a 21-year-old student from Rugby has been found dead after he went missing following a night out.
Joseph Derbisz, who was studying at the University of Birmingham, went missing in the early hours of Sunday (March 27) after he left a nightclub on campus.
Police found the body of a man off Edgbaston Park Road on Monday. West Midlands Police confirmed his death was not being treated as suspicious.
The force added it would not be issuing any further information and said the coroner’s officer would provide future updates.
A fund-raising campaign for Joseph’s family has so far raised over £8,700 in just one day.
It was set up by Joseph’s cousin Owen to help the family with funeral expenses. Owen said: “Joseph had a bright future ahead of him.
“Joe’s death is a devastating loss for our family and his friends, and his parents are facing an unbearably tough time ahead.
“No parent should outlive their child. All money raised will go to his parents to help them at this extremely difficult time.
“Thank you to everyone who has sent their condolences and messages of support, the family really appreciate it.”
Over 820 people have donated so far, some leaving tributes for Joseph on Owen’s Gofundme page.
Nathan Morgan described Joseph as “a kind person and a beautiful soul whose smile lit up a room.”
Ben Reading said: “Joe was one of those people that everyone liked. He was always smiling, always starting a conversation, and always cared how you were. I feel honoured to have met you Joe, you will be missed by everyone.”
Sheila Pennington said: “Such a tragic loss, so honoured to have met you, always polite, pleasant and smiley, a credit to your family.”
A spokesperson for the University of Birmingham said: “We are absolutely devastated to learn about the death of Joe. Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this very difficult time. We are doing everything we can to support Joe’s friends and family, as well as the wider student and staff community.”
Visit https://tinyurl.com/yymypad6 to donate to Owen’s fund-raiser.
