A 44-year-old retired Illinois firefighter and Marine Corps veteran has reportedly been left with permanent brain damage after falling critically ill following a meal that included raw oysters.
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The man, identified as Joe Belgio, went into cardiac arrest on June 30, 2025, three days after eating the oysters, according to his attorney and a lawsuit filed over the incident.
Belgio reportedly suffered a prolonged loss of consciousness and oxygen deprivation that left him with severe and lasting brain injuries.
According to Belgio’s partner, Melanie Stayer, the couple had been out celebrating with family when he ate the oysters.
What began as an ordinary family outing reportedly turned into a medical emergency that would permanently change Belgio’s life.
Reflecting on what happened, Stayer said:
“This was a casual day with a casual man at a restaurant that he wanted to celebrate life with his family, and life can change so quickly,” Melanie said
According to Belgio’s attorney, Scott O’Sullivan, Belgio went into cardiac arrest three days after consuming the oysters and lost consciousness.
O’Sullivan told ABC 7 Chicago that Belgio “lost consciousness and oxygen for at least eight minutes.”
According to Belgio’s attorney, doctors later tested him for bacterial infections and found several pathogens in his system.
The lawsuit alleges that Belgio contracted two types of bacteria after consuming the oysters: Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and Plesiomonas shigelloides.
EPEC is a type of E. coli associated with intestinal illness, while Plesiomonas shigelloides is a bacterium commonly associated with aquatic environments and can cause gastrointestinal illness, particularly after consumption of contaminated food or seafood.
The lawsuit names the restaurant and two seafood suppliers, including Supreme Lobster and Seafood Company, according to ABC 7 Chicago.
The allegations contained in the lawsuit have not been established in court.
The consequences of Belgio’s medical emergency have reportedly been devastating.
After spending months in a coma, he was left with severe brain damage and now requires extensive assistance with everyday life.
His attorney described the extent of his condition, saying:
“He is most likely bedridden for the rest of his life.
“He is extremely brain damaged, with very little cognitive capacity, and will need care for the rest of his life.” His lawyer said
The family is now facing the enormous challenge of caring for Belgio while dealing with the long-term consequences of his injuries.
A GoFundMe campaign established to support Belgio and his family describes him as a loving father, a Little League coach and a man committed to serving others.