A devastating turn of events has left a Marine Corps veteran and retired Illinois firefighter grappling with life-changing health challenges. Joe Belgio, 44, has spent over a year hospitalized due to severe brain injuries, which reportedly stem from consuming raw oysters.
The incident took place at Gibsons Steakhouse & Bar in Oak Brook, located roughly 15 miles from Chicago’s bustling downtown. According to a lawsuit acquired by ABC 7 Chicago, Belgio encountered tragic consequences after dining on contaminated oysters on June 30, 2025. As a result, he suffered a cardiac arrest, plunged into a prolonged coma, and now endures permanent brain damage.
Melanie Stayer, Belgio’s fiancée, shared that they were celebrating with family on what seemed a joyous occasion, completely unaware of the impending tragedy.
Reflecting on that fateful day, Stayer described it as a simple celebration at a beloved restaurant with a man who cherished life’s moments with family. The couple had recently welcomed their daughter, Carmela, who was only five months old during the incident. “Life can change so quickly,” she expressed, recounting the abrupt shift to distress from joy.
Tragedy deepened when, three days post-consumption of the tainted oysters, Belgio suffered cardiac arrest. His attorney, Scott O’Sullivan, revealed that Belgio lost consciousness and was deprived of oxygen for a critical duration of at least eight minutes.
O’Sullivan said Belgio was revived by the Cicero Fire Department, the same department in which he had previously served, before being rushed to the hospital.
His attorney said doctors screened Belgio for bacteria and found several pathogens in his system.
The lawsuit alleges Belgio contracted two dangerous bacteria from the oysters — Enteropathogenic E. coli, known as EPEC, and Plesiomonas shigelloides, CBS News reported.
The 44-year-old spent months in a coma after falling ill and has since been confined to a hospital bed — requiring around-the-clock care.
“He is most likely bedridden for the rest of his life,” O’Sullivan said. “He is extremely brain damaged, with very little cognitive capacity, and will need care for the rest of his life.”
Gibsons released a statement to ABC 7 Chicago saying “there have been no other reported cases of illness.”
“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,” a spokesperson for the steakhouse said.
Two other seafood suppliers, Supreme Lobster and Seafood Company, have also been named in the lawsuit, according to ABC 7 Chicago.
A GoFundMe set up to help Belgio and his family pay for care describes him as a loving father, Little League coach and “a man dedicated to service.”
“An ex-Marine and firefighter who has devoted his life to protecting others and serving his country,” the page reads.
“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.”
Since launching on July 8, 2025, the page has raised over $85,000.
Belgio has already racked up more than $1 million in medical bills, CBS News reported.