Health3 min(s) read
Published 11:36 11 Aug 2026 GMT
A US Marine veteran and former firefighter has been left with horrific permanent brain injuries after eating seafood.
Joe Belgio, 44, reportedly went into cardiac arrest and subsequently fell into a months-long coma, remaining in hospital for over a year as a result.
The Illinois native suffered the health episode after allegedly eating contaminated raw oysters at Gibsons Steakhouse & Bar in Oak Brook, around 15 miles west of downtown Chicago, on June 30, 2025.
A lawsuit obtained by ABC 7 Chicago further details that Belgio was out with his fiancée, Melanie Stayer, who recalled that they were out celebrating with family when he ate the shellfish.
Stayer told the publication: “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.”
She also revealed that the couple was raising their five-month-old daughter, Carmela, at the time.
The Marine veteran went into cardiac arrest three days after consuming the oysters, as his lawyer Scott O'Sullivan claimed that he "lost consciousness and oxygen for at least eight minutes."
He added that his client was revived by the Cicero Fire Department, whom he had served in the past, before being rushed to the hospital.
O'Sullivan added that doctors screened Belgio for bacteria, finding dangerous pathogens in his system.
The lawsuit claims that he contracted two dangerous bacteria from the seafood, namely Enteropathogenic E. coli, also known as EPEC, and Plesiomonas shigelloides, as per CBS News.
Belgio then spent months in a coma and has been confined to a hospital bed since, needing 24/7 care for his condition.
His attorney further claimed: “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.”
The steakhouse and bar said to ABC 7 Chicago that "there have been no other reported cases of illness."
A spokesperson for the restaurant added: “Based on the facts and our internal investigation, there is no evidence to suggest that our establishment caused his health condition.
“We are confident that a fair and thorough legal process will agree with this conclusion.”
Supreme Lobster and Seafood Company, two other seafood suppliers, were also named in the lawsuit.
Following the health emergency, a GoFundMe was set up to help Belgio and his family pay for his care, as he is described as a loving father, Little League coach and “a man dedicated to service.”
The page adds: “An ex-Marine and firefighter who has devoted his life to protecting others and serving his country,
“He completed a courageous tour of duty in Iraq, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and heart every step of the way. Joe has always been the first to lend a hand when help is needed.”
First launched on July 8, 2025, over $86,000 has been raised of the $150,000 goal.
Unfortunately, CBS News revealed that his medical bills have already surpassed the $1 million mark.
