Joseph Derbisz: tributes paid to University of Birmingham student

Tributes have been paid to Joseph Derbisz, the University of Birmingham student who has died aged 21.

Joseph went missing after a night out with friends on Saturday night, and was last seen in the early hours of Sunday morning (27 March) at the nightclub Fab N Fresh at the Guild of Students in Edgbaston at around 3.30am.

Officers searching for Joseph, an undergraduate from Warwickshire, found the body of a man off Edgbaston Park Road in Birmingham yesterday (28 March).

Although formal identification is yet to take place, West Midlands Police said Joseph’s family have been informed.

Police are not treating his death as suspicious.

Tributes paid to Joe

A memorial has also been set up for Joe outside the University of Birmingham where students can lay flowers, by the car park towards the gym entrance.

Tributes have also been paid to Joe on Facebook.

One person wrote: “Thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends may he rest in eternal peace.”

Another said: “Sending all my thought to all the family and all Joe friends.”

Another wrote: “RIP Joe thoughts are with your family and friends.”

One person wrote: “Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

Another said: “Very sad news. Joseph looked like a lovely young man and l send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up in his memory and to help support his family with funeral costs. More tributes have been paid on that page.

Ben wrote: “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. Hope you’re at peace now mate.”

Kieran wrote: “Rest in peace. I hope you get the proper send off you deserve. Your family and friends love you so much and it’s a shame you didn’t get to live life like you wished.”

Nathan wrote: “Love to Joe’s family, he was a kind person and a beautiful soul whose smile lit up a room. He will be missed by many.”

Funds raised to support family

More than £4,000 has been raised to help support Joseph’s family and to help with funeral costs through the GoFundMe page.

A message on the page, by family member Owen Derbisz, read: “Joseph Derbisz was a 21 year old student at the University of Birmingham, with a bright future ahead of him.

“Tragically, Joe died on 27 March 2022 following a night out at the students’ union.

“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.

“We are raising funds to help with funeral expenses.

“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.”

A statement from the University of Birmingham, read: “We have been informed that West Midlands police, who have been searching for our third year student, Joseph Derbisz, have sadly found the body of a man off Edgbaston Park Road in Edgbaston today (28 March).

“The 21-year-old was last seen in the early hours of yesterday morning and, although formal identification is yet to take place, Joe’s family have been informed.

“The police are not treating his death as suspicious.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.

“We continue to work with the police as they conduct their enquiries and are unable to comment further at this stage.

“You will see an increased police presence in the area and at the University this afternoon; please feel free to speak with them.

“We encourage any of our students who have been affected by this tragedy to contact the confidential listening and support service, UB Heard, or your Wellbeing Officer.”

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