A man has died after falling seriously ill while attending his brother’s wedding abroad and having both legs amputated in a bid to save his life.
Andrew Wasil had travelled with his family to Mumbai, India, where he proudly served as best man at his brother Steve’s wedding.
But the day after the celebrations, the 39-year-old suddenly became severely ill with a dangerous strep infection.
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He was rushed to hospital and went into septic shock, as reported by Need To Know.
The illness led to multiple organ complications and Andrew spent more than six weeks receiving extensive treatment in intensive care.
Doctors were forced to amputate both of his legs below the knee in an attempt to save his life.
Andrew, from Braintree, Massachusetts, US, was later medically stabilised and returned home to Boston for further treatment.
But his family has announced that he has tragically died following four months of fighting.
His sister Erica Vinton said: “After four months of fighting every day, Andrew passed away peacefully this past Friday.
“We are absolutely heartbroken over this, but find some comfort knowing he is no longer suffering.
“On behalf of the Wasil family, we would like to thank everyone for providing such compassionate and endless support during such a dark time in our lives.
“We are so incredibly proud of our warrior, Andy, and the strength he demonstrated all the way until the end.
“While there are truly no words to describe how we feel, we have so many amazing memories to help us navigate this significant and horrific loss.
“May you rest in the sweetest peace.
“You will be missed every day.
“Love you always, Andrew.”
Andrew died at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston on 19 June, surrounded by his family, according to his obituary.
His ordeal began in February when he travelled to India for his brother’s wedding.
Erica previously said: “It was a joyful, unforgettable experience – one where Andrew proudly served as best man.
“Tragically, the day after the wedding festivities, Andrew became suddenly and severely ill.
“He was quickly hospitalised with a dangerous strep infection and went into septic shock.”
Andrew remained in intensive care in India for more than six weeks.
Erica said the illness caused multiple organ complications and doctors ultimately had to amputate both legs below the knees “in order to save Andrew’s life”.
While still receiving treatment abroad, his family launched a fundraiser to pay for an air ambulance to bring him back to Boston.
Erica said at the time that Andrew had not regained full consciousness but was showing “encouraging signs” and “fighting hard”.
She said: “Andrew is known by everyone who loves him as a hardworking, kind, and deeply loyal man.
“He is the best ‘Uncle Andy’ to his nieces and nephew.”
More than $220,000 (£164,338) was raised through the appeal to help fund Andrew’s medical flight and ongoing care.
Andrew eventually returned to Boston in late April for continued treatment.
According to his obituary, he was a lifelong resident of Braintree and had worked for Stop & Shop Supermarket Company since 2002.
He most recently worked as a grocery manager at its North Quincy store.
Andrew loved travelling, spending time with friends and following NFL games, UFC matches and Boston sports teams.
But his family said he most cherished spending time with his nieces and nephew as “Uncle Andy”.
He is survived by his parents Suzanne and Paul, siblings Erica, Michael and Stephen, and nieces and nephew Olivia, James and Chloe.
A funeral was held in Quincy on 27 June.
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