Facebook tribute for Birmingham student Ali Zorko
HUNDREDS of moving tributes have been paid to a Birmingham student who was found dead with a knife wound at a house in the city.
A special memorial website has been posted on Facebook under the heading of In Loving Memory of Ali Zorko - click here to see group
The site, which is in tribute to 19-year-old Alistair Philip Zorco, has 765 members, while more than 150 photographs have also been posted.
Alistair, who was studying at the University of Birmingham, was found dead at a house in Alton Road, Selly Oak, on November 13.
His death was at first treated as suspicious, but detectives were later able to rule out foul play.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said they were treating the death as a “tragic accident”.
No further details were given, although it is understood that the knife penetrated his heart.
A postmortem examination revealed the student died from a single knife wound.
A description of the group on the Facebook website said: “On the 13th of November, Ali Zorko sadly passed away.
“This is a group for those who want to commemorate him.
“He was an incredible friend and will be sorely missed. You will always be remembered Ali.”
The message added that bouquets of flowers were being placed outside the house in Alton Road.
Among the many tributes left on the site was one from his brother Oli, who wrote: “U were the best brother I cud hav wished 4 ali.
“We all love you so much. U have always been my role model mate and u always will be. All the gud times we have had I will never forget.”
Another, from Jason Byrne, described him as “one of the finest young men I have ever had the pleasure to teach. If there was ever a model student, then Ali was one.”
Another was from his cousins in Vancouver, Canada, while a number of messages referred to Alistair playing for Nottingham Rugby.
There was even one posted from staff in Costcutters who described him as the “nicest customer”.
A spokesman from the University of Birmingham, where Alistair was believed to be studying law, said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear about the death of a member of our student community.
“We will be working with police liaison officers to offer support and guidance to affected students and staff.”
An inquest has been opened for identification purposes and adjourned.
