River bacteria that killed Mechanicsville man identified
River bacteria that killed Mechanicsville man identified
Posted: Tuesday, July 28, 2015 3:30 pm
BY LAURA KEBEDE Richmond Times-Dispatch
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(804) 649-6243
Twitter: @kebedefaith
The river bacteria that contributed to the death of a Mechanicsville man last week has been identified as Vibrio vulnificus, a health official said.
Charlie Horner, 75, died after a cut from a catfish barb became infected with the bacteria Saturday at the Rappahannock River in Essex County. His leg was amputated Monday to stall the spread of the infection, but he died two days later.
Charlie Horner, longtime health industry volunteer, dies after infection at Rappahannock River
Posted: Friday, July 24, 2015 9:30 pm
BY LAURA KEBEDE Richmond Times-Dispatch
[email protected]
(804) 649-6243
Twitter: @kebedefaith
In the lobby of Memorial Regional Medical Center, a bust of Charles Edward Charlie Horner is among the tributes to people who were instrumental in bringing the hospital to Hanover County.
Mr. Horner, 75, of Mechanicsville died Wednesday at the same hospital after becoming ill from an infection he contracted over the weekend at the Rappahannock River. He was known to many as a servant leader who steered clear of the limelight and rarely said no to friends and strangers in need.
....
The tragic circumstances leading to his death started Saturday when the Horners hosted their Fairmount Christian Church Bible school class of about 50 at their home on the Rappahannock, as they have been doing annually for about five years, Carolyn Horner said. After taking some children out on the river, Mr. Horner stepped on the sharp spine, or barb, of a catfish. Bacteria from the water entered his bloodstream through the cut and began spreading overnight.
He was taken to the emergency room Sunday, where doctors discovered the infection. By Monday night, his leg was amputated and he had contracted sepsis, a life-threatening complication from infections where the immune system causes widespread inflammation and can cause organ failure while fighting off the infection, she said. ... His three sons, including one who lives in Florida, were able to make it to the hospital before Mr. Horner died Wednesday.