Daughter Honors Mom Lost to Flesh-Eating Disease

Sharon Alexander, a 72-year-old pastry chef, died on February 16, 2026, from necrotizing fasciitis, a swift and deadly flesh-eating bacterial infection. Her illness began with back pain on February 13, 2026, but rapidly progressed. Doctors diagnosed the rare condition after her pain worsened significantly, leading to hospitalization and a ventilator.

Doctors initially attempted to remove infected flesh from her right thigh, but the infection spread rapidly throughout Sharon's body. Her family was informed that amputation might be necessary and that her quality of life could be severely impacted. Tragically, Sharon passed away just three days after her initial symptoms appeared, leaving her family devastated and blindsided.

The exact cause of Sharon's infection remains unknown, though some medical professionals suggested it might have originated from an ingrown hair. Her daughter, Scarlett Simpson, a nurse, is now raising awareness and funds for the Lee Spark Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation. She organized a 50-mile hike on May 31, 2026, Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day, to honor her mother and educate others about the dangers of this rare disease.