Home / Health / Oyster Meal Leads to Coma: Veteran's Life Changed Forever
Oyster Meal Leads to Coma: Veteran's Life Changed Forever
12 Aug
Summary
- Veteran suffered cardiac arrest and coma after eating raw oysters.
- He has irreversible brain damage and requires lifelong care.
- Lawsuit names restaurant and two seafood suppliers.
Joe Belgio, a 44-year-old Marine Corps veteran and retired Illinois firefighter, has been hospitalized for over a year following severe brain injuries. His family claims these injuries resulted from consuming contaminated raw oysters on June 30, 2025, at Gibsons Steakhouse & Bar in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Three days after the meal, Belgio experienced cardiac arrest and lost consciousness for at least eight minutes. Resuscitated by the Cicero Fire Department, he was rushed to the hospital. Medical tests detected E. coli (EPEC) and Plesiomonas shigelloides bacteria in his system.
Belgio spent months in a coma and now has irreversible brain damage, requiring lifelong care. His attorney stated he has very little cognitive capacity. The restaurant denies responsibility, stating no other illnesses were reported, and asserts no evidence links their establishment to Belgio's condition.
The lawsuit also names seafood suppliers Supreme Lobster and Seafood Company. A GoFundMe for Belgio, described as a dedicated father and coach, has raised over $85,000, while his medical bills have surpassed $1 million.
