Five days after an Oxford police officer used a Taser on him outside a bar, Miami University graduate Kevin Piskura died Thursday at University Hospital.

Piskura, 24, of Chicago, had been in critical condition since being hospitalized early Saturday.

Butler County Prosecutor Robin Piper - who will be reviewing an independent investigation by the county sheriff into whether the officer was justified in deploying the Taser - said he had been praying for Piskura.

"Nobody wanted this young man to get hurt," Piper said. "We were hoping and praying he would improve and get stronger. Oxford police, the prosecutor's office and anybody who is aware of the circumstances is deeply saddened to learn he's passed away."

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Piskura died about 5:15 p.m. He was surrounded by family members and close friends, hospital officials said.

"Today, we lost a son, a brother, a family member and a friend," the Piskura family said in a statement. "The medical staff and everyone here at University Hospital were heroic in their efforts to save Kevin, and for that we are eternally grateful. ... In the end it seems there was simply nothing more anyone could do."

The family again asked those in the community to reserve judgment until the independent investigation is completed by the Butler County Sheriff's Office.

Officer Geoff Robinson deployed the Taser outside Brick Street bar after Piskura allegedly fought with him and bouncers. A life squad was called when Piskura began having trouble breathing.

Full article here.