Dad Dies 48-Hrs After Contracting Flesh-Eating Bacteria In Florida – Daughter Issues Warning To All

Jul 19, 2019 by apost team

Dave Bennett, a man from Tenessee, died last week after contracting flesh-eating bacteria in the sea in Florida. 

His daughter has now taken to Social Media to make sure others are aware of how to stay safe.

According to WCYB, the family was aware that individuals with open wounds or cuts were at risk of contracting bacteria in the sea. They were not, however, aware that people with compromised immune systems were at risk too.

The outlet stated that Bennett started feeling ill around 12 hours after getting out of the water. By the time the family returned to their hometown of Memphis, Tenessee, Bennett had developed a sizeable black sore on his back. Red spots also started to appear on his legs and arms.

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The family eventually found out that because Bennett had been on cancer treatment at the time, his immune system was compromised which put him at risk of contracting such bacteria. He died 48 hours later.

His daughter, Cheryl Bennett Wiygul, took to social media to describe the ordeal and warn others of the danger of such bacteria. 

"He was in a great deal of pain," she wrote, as confirmed by CNN. "At 1 a.m., he became septic, and they moved him into ICU. ... They said his organs were too damaged and his blood was too acidic to sustain life. He was gone by Sunday afternoon."

Lab results which were released the following Wednesday later confirmed Wiygul's suspicions. 

"Vibrio vulnificus which manifests into necrotizing fasciitis (flesh eating bacteria) ultimately leading to sepsis." 

Our condolences go out to the Bennett family. Were you aware of this bacteria in the sea? Let us know in the comments - and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family.