The family of a grandfather who died after eating a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder speaks out about their tragic loss.
The heartbreaking demise of an 88-year-old grandfather from Colorado has clarified the dangers of a routine meal at McDonald’s.
JC Smith passed away after consuming a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder.
This happened just two days before health officials disclosed an E. coli outbreak associated with the fast-food chain, an act his family now regrets.
Loyal McDonald’s customer hospitalized after eating Quarter Pounder
Smith, a loyal customer, indulged in his favorite burger at McDonald’s, only to find himself hospitalized days later.
Medical tests confirmed the presence of the deadly E. coli infection, manifesting through symptoms like dizziness and bloody diarrhea.
Despite being in the hospital for four days, no cautionary advice was initially given to the family regarding specific eateries to avoid.
On a subsequent visit to McDonald’s, Smith once again opted for the Quarter Pounder.
He experienced intensifying discomfort, evident through his distressing physical reactions.
Family speaks out after grandfather’s tragic death following McDonald’s Quarter Pounder consumption
His daughter, Debbie Bonnell, expressed their anguish on CBS.
She emphasized her father’s trust in the restaurant chain and the family’s profound desire to have him back.
“All he wanted to do was enjoy a hamburger with his wife. He put his trust in these restaurants, and all we want is our dad back,” she said.
The tragic event unfolded on October 20, with health authorities swiftly linking the E. coli outbreak to the McDonald’s Quarter Pounder just two days later.
Bonnell shared harrowing details of her father’s suffering, recounting moments of unbearable pain and helplessness as he battled the infection.
“I would hold his hand and pray and tell him to try and rest, ‘We are here with you’ and ‘We are getting help for you.'”
Both Smith and his wife had consumed the Quarter Pounder, with the sole distinction being her aversion to onions, a likely culprit in the outbreak.
Acknowledging her inadvertent contribution, she reflected on the act of sharing her onion-laden portion with her husband.
“I took mine off and gave mine to him. I feel guilty now because I gave him some onions.”
Quarter Pounder of McDonald’s linked to E. Coli outbreak due to sliced onion in it
By October 25, investigations pinpointed Taylor Farms’ Colorado Springs facility as the probable source of contamination.
Reports indicated that the outbreak had affected 90 individuals across 13 states, resulting in 27 hospitalizations and, tragically, Smith’s passing.
The repercussions of the outbreak extended beyond fatalities.
A 15-year-old girl grappled with severe kidney complications, potentially necessitating lifelong medical intervention.
McDonald’s addressed the crisis on October 30, attributing the outbreak to slivered onions.
They promptly removed them from the menu and assured the public of minimal ongoing risks.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced they have now linked this outbreak, which appears to be contained, to slivered onions as the likely source.
“Due to McDonald’s swift action, they report the risk to the public continues to be very low and there have been no reported illnesses since McDonald’s took action to remove slivered onions.”
The Quarter Pounder is now back on the menu, albeit without onions, in 700 outlets.