An Illinois man and retired firefighter, Joe Belgio, who also served as a Marine, remains hospitalized over a year after suffering catastrophic health complications. His attorneys allege these complications were caused by contaminated raw oysters he ate at Gibsons Steakhouse in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Belgio's legal representatives announced a lawsuit and fundraiser on August 11, 2026, claiming he suffered permanent brain injuries following the meal. According to the lawsuit, Belgio became severely ill after consuming raw oysters, leading to a medical crisis that resulted in cardiac arrests and loss of consciousness for at least eight minutes. He was revived by the local fire department but has been confined to a hospital bed since.

Attorney Scott O'Sullivan described Belgio's rapid health deterioration and stated, "He ended up getting very, very ill, and resulting in cardiac arrests where he lost consciousness and oxygen for at least eight minutes, and was revived by this very fire department, and has been in the hospital ever since."

Belgio's fiancé, Melanie Stayer, said the couple had been celebrating with family at the restaurant in June of the previous year. She emphasized the suddenness of the situation: "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."

Friends and community members have gathered in support of Belgio, who was once described as a strong and healthy man. Stayer added, "He's one of the rarest people you will ever meet in your life. He was a God-fearing man. Success to him was having a family."

Belgio is now most likely bedridden for life, extremely brain damaged with very little cognitive capacity, and will require lifelong care.

Gibsons Oak Brook has disputed the allegations, stating, "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."