Benedictine grad dies after Tasering

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by Emily Canning-Dean

Reporter

Walton Hills -- Kevin Piskura is remembered by a school mate as "vibrant and fun to be around."

"I sat with him in art class and I remember us always having fun together," said Tom Zagorski, alumni director at Benedictine High School. Zagorski graduated a year after Mr. Piskura, who was a 2002 graduate.

Mr. Piskura, 24, died at University Hospital in Cincinnati April 24 at 5:17 p.m. He was hospitalized April 19 after he was Tasered by Oxford police.

Zagorski said Mr. Piskura was a member of the football and baseball teams, class treasurer and a member of student council.

Mr. Piskura was living in Chicago. His parents, Chuck and Mary, live in Walton Hills.

Chuck Piskura, a retired member of the Bedford Police Department, was second-in-command as the department's executive lieutenant.

The Piskura family released a statement April 25. It read:

"Today, we lost a son, a brother, a family member and a friend. The medical staff and everyone here at University Hospital were heroic in their efforts to save Kevin, and for that we are eternally grateful.

"We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and attention our son has generated over the past few days, and we thank everyone who has kept Kevin and those involved in his care in their thoughts and prayers.

"In the end, it seems there was simply nothing more anyone could do. No one feels this loss more deeply than we do.

However, we still request that people refrain from rash judgment and wait until the independent investigation of this event is complete, lest tragedy lead to more tragedy."

Bedford City Manager Bob Reid, a former Bedford police chief, worked with Piskura's father, Charles, for many years on the Bedford Police Department.

"My heart goes out to the family during their time of loss," Reid said.

"It is an absolute tragedy," he said.

According to Oxford police, bar employees wanted Piskura and his friend to leave the bar April 19 around 2 a.m. because his friend had been fighting with someone.

Police arrived to remove the two men from the bar. Police said both men argued with police.

An officer drew a taser and ordered the men to stop. Piskura's friend complied, but Piskura did not and he was tasered and taken into custody.

After Piskura was taken into custody, police said he was "unresponsive" and transported him to the hospital.

Oxford Police Chief Steve Schwein requested that the Butler County Sheriff's Office conduct an internal investigation of the incident.

Once the sheriff's office completes the investigation, it will be reviewed by Butler County Prosecutor Robin Piper.

E-mail: ecanning@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3166