Sophomore Cadet Dies in Bayshore Motorcycle Crash

They called him ‘Pee Wee.’

Five of Victor Strizzi’s closest friends gathered Tuesday night to share their memories of a man they respected, trusted and grew to love ‘- from their first time meeting him to the final moments they shared with him in a hospital room just hours before.

Strizzi, a University of Tampa sophomore and ROTC cadet, hopped on his recently purchased motorcycle and took a ride along Bayshore Boulevard. He had a green light as an oncoming car ran a red light, authorities said.

Strizzi was taken to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition and rushed to an operating room, friends said.

Freshman Jonathan Mojica received a call shortly after the accident from a TGH nurse who informed him of Strizzi’s condition.

After texting everyone the news, all five guys made their way to the hospital.

‘I saw him just last night, alive,’ Carlos Col’oacute;n recalled. ‘We said goodnight, and that was that. Twelve hours later, I find out he’s in critical condition.’

Isaac Moreno, Strizzi’s former roommate and fellow ROTC cadet, was the first to arrive. The rest followed along with members of ROTC and Victor’s only local family, his grandmother.

‘I honestly thought it was going to be okay,’ Mojica said. ‘We all did.’
Strizzi, who had wanted to become a military surgeon, underwent two hours of surgery and was given 135 units of blood before doctors assessed that there was nothing left they could do to keep him alive.

The five friends were gathered together with a chaplain when the doctor delivered the news.

‘He told us that Vic had about 15-20 minutes left to live, and we needed to say our goodbyes,’ Col’oacute;n said.

Paramedics later told them that Strizzi, who was thrown from his Yamaha, would have died at the scene if not for his helmet.

One of his best friends wasn’t surprised.

‘No helmet, no ride,’ said Carlos Col’oacute;n. ‘That was his motto when it came to people and his motorcycle.’

The shock set in, but Tuesday night the guys reminisced about their best friend. A military man, who was dedicated to his dreams, Strizzi always had his heart set on joining the military and stayed focused on academics.

Other friends described the Pennsylvania man as cautious, intelligent, loyal and logical.

He was outspoken and strong, yet he had a sense of humor like no other. He could make just about anyone laugh and smile. He always found time for his friends and maintained a balance between school and socializing.

‘Vic was a clown,’ said Waldo Esgusquiza, another friend. ‘He was serious when he needed to be, but when it came to hanging out, he had fun.’

Freshman Auson Edwards recalled how he met Strizzi.

‘It took awhile for us to get to know each other, actually. But through social events and hanging out, we got really close. He was so brave and he loved to take charge.’

Strizzi stood as a big brother to all of his closest friends. ‘He always had our backs,’ Col’oacute;n said.

Strizzi had drive and potential. Entering the Army at only 17, he had to obtain a special waiver to join. He thought the best way to get into medical school would be through the Army.

‘He always motivated me,’ Moreno said.

Strizzi was the type of guy any parent felt comfortable having their kids around. He had diverse tastes, being interested in art, science, exercise and even cooking.

Most people recognized him by his tattoo– a large dragon he sketched from a dream he had.

‘Twenty-three hours and four grand later, he got his tattoo,’ Col’oacute;n said, chuckling to himself about the artwork on Victor’s arm.

Strizzi loved his motorcycle and kept it in a perfect condition. In September, Moreno drove him to buy the Yamaha.

‘He didn’t know how to drive it at first, so he had me follow him home. He was so nervous. Those were the good times we had,’ Moreno said.

Students, faculty and friends will remember Victor Strizzi as a warrior, a jokester and a genuine person. He touched and protected lives, and left a lasting imprint on the hearts of many.

Just hours after witnessing the final moments of his life, the five men gathered and each offered a short descriptor of their friend.

‘Strength.’
‘Official.’
‘A class act.’
‘Courageous.’
‘A soldier.’

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