A Mississippi family is mourning 77-year-old Basil “Boppy” Kennedy, who died after contracting a rare flesh-eating bacteria. The lifelong sailor cut his leg while launching a boat, cleaned it, and covered it—but within days, the infection spread rapidly.

Doctors diagnosed Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacteria found in warm coastal waters, and performed two surgeries to remove infected tissue. Sadly, organ failure claimed his life just days later. “We don’t want fear of the water—we want awareness,” his daughter Rebekah said.

Vibrio infections can occur from eating raw shellfish or exposing open wounds to brackish water. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, skin lesions, and low blood pressure. Health experts warn it can turn deadly within days, killing one in five patients. Rising ocean temperatures are helping the bacteria spread further north and linger longer.

Basil’s family remembers him as joyful, resilient, and devoted to his community. “He brought people together,” a friend shared. His story is a reminder—small wounds near warm waters can be serious. Quick action may save a life.