The dad of an American college student, who died during a crowd surge in South Korea on Saturday, October 29, is remembering his beloved son as a smart young man who had an incredibly bright future.
Steven Blesi, who hails from Marietta, Georgia, was studying abroad in South Korea when he was killed in the tragic incident over the weekend. According to CNN, officials have confirmed that at least 153 other people, including another American student, passed away after they were caught in the crush of people. The victims were out celebrating Halloween in the Itaewon part of Seoul.
Steve Blesi said that his son could have done anything he wanted in this world and he had an adventurous spirit. The retired IT director said that the world is a darker place without his son in it.
Two Americans among the dead in Seoul crowd surge incident
Anne Gieske, who was a junior nursing student at University of Kentucky, was also studying abroad this fall in Seoul when she was killed in the crowd surge, according to a statement released by university president Eli Capilouto.
Steven was a junior at Kennesaw State University (KSU), where he was studying international business. The school issued a statement on Sunday, saying that Steven was one of 11 students from KSU that was part of a study abroad program in South Korea. The university said that the remaining 10 students have been reported safe.
Steve told PEOPLE magazine that he was initially hesitant to let Steven study abroad, but after the COVID-19 pandemic postponed his son's plans for a couple of years, he finally had the chance to go to South Korea this year.
Steve said he gave his 20-year-old son a pep talk before he left, telling him to be careful there and to realize how precious life is. He told his son that he can't protect him there and he can't come to his aid quickly.
Steve can't imagine the pain his son Steven went through
Steve's worst fears unfortunately came true on Saturday. He was returning home from grocery shopping when his brother told him of the terrible news coming from South Korea. Steven's family immediately contacted him via WhatsApp, but they received no response.
Steve said that a police officer answered his son's phone after about two-and-a-half hours. An official at the U.S. Embassy in South Korea then informed the family later that evening that Steven had indeed died in the incident.
The grieving dad said that he can't imagine the pain his son went through. He added that if he could put himself in his place, he would do it a hundred times over. Steve said that he can't hug his son one last time and he can't kiss his boy and he can't hear his voice.
According to NBC News, more than 100,000 people were out in the popular nightlife district for the Halloween celebrations.
