Family of stabbing victim gets worst possible news
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Mike Wassill wasn't supposed to die this way.
The happy-go-lucky 20 year-old is lovingly compared to Shaggy, the character from Scooby Doo: harmless, friendly and laid back.
But, when an intruder entered the unlocked door of his suburban Orleans family home Wednesday afternoon — wearing rubber gloves and armed with a box cutter — Mike discovered he was the type of young man who put the safety of others ahead of his own.
He stepped in between the intruder and the young woman he'd been allowing to hide at his father's home -- and took a knife slash in the throat.
He lost consciousness and was revived through the efforts of police, paramedics and staff at the Montfort Hospital. Following a long, night surgery at the Civic where he was transferred, it appeared Thursday he was out of the woods.
But, according to his uncle, Paul Champ, his condition has seriously worsened.
"It's quite grave," Champ said Monday morning.
He said Michael's brain is swelling -- a condition which they believe will end his life before Tuesday.
If it doesn't, the family will schedule more visits for his large group of close friends to come to his bedside and say their goodbyes.
If Mike survives the brain swelling, he will still never wake up.
"This was confirmed to us late Sunday," says Champ. "Mike has irreversible brain damage. He will not awaken. It's the worst possible news."
A number of his close friends have already been to the hospital to visit.
Champ says he's confident the Crown will upgrade charges against 20 year-old Carson Morin, who appeared in court last week on charges of attempted murder.
He hopes a charge of first-degree murder will be laid.
"The rubber gloves tell the tale," Champ says.
He says the family and close friends are having a hard time believing what's happened, actually has.
"Nobody could have imagined him in this sort of situation," Champ says. "Clearly he did what he felt he had to do, but this is absolutely heartbreaking for his parents and everyone who knew him. We will preserve his memory."
A Facebook page was started Monday called In Support of Michael Wassil.
"We are so saddened to hear this news. Please know we are and will continue to pray for Michael and you his family for strength in the days and months ahead," wrote Shirley Wassill-Wiltzen.
"This shouldn't (have) happened to anyone, especially you," posted Nick Porquet.
"We are so sorry," wrote Jennifer Anderson. "Michael is such a bright spirit. Our family holds you in our hearts tonight."
"'I'm thinking of you every minute of every day," wrote Suzan Ballantyne. "My heart breaks."
"Words cannot describe the utter pain at the thought of what Michael's family and friends must be going through at this moment," wrote Sean Bai.
Twitter: @DougHempstead
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