A father-to-be was tragically killed in a single punch outside an Arizona bar just weeks before his baby was due.
Thomas John “TJ” Pizzitola, 29, was found unconscious on a sidewalk outside Pattie’s First Avenue Lounge in Scottsdale around 2:15 a.m. on October 11. Earlier that night, he and two friends had been asked to leave the bar for rowdy behavior. While outside, a minor bump between one of TJ’s friends and a woman escalated into a fight involving five other people.
During the altercation, 24-year-old Drew Meneses allegedly landed the punch that caused TJ to suffer a fatal brain injury. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.
Authorities arrested all five suspects last Wednesday. Meneses faces second-degree murder charges, while the others were booked on various assault charges. Meneses told the court he was simply having a “bad night” and did not intend to cause harm. He is being held on $1 million bail.
TJ’s wife, Krisan, was just weeks away from giving birth to their child. In messages sent to her that night, TJ expressed pride in her and love for their baby boy. His family says he always wanted to be the best husband and father.
Even in the face of tragedy, TJ was able to save five lives through organ donation. A GoFundMe for Krisan and their child has raised over $76,000 of its $85,000 goal, as the community rallies around the family.
Got some young lives ruined here!!
Last call for alcohol!!!!!!!!
Alcohol brings out people’s real personalities!!!!!!
Nothing good happens when you visit bars