A Virginia father and pastor tragically died less than two weeks after being exposed to the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus during a family trip to Virginia Beach, his family said.

Derek Michael D’Arcy, 64, waded in calf-deep water at his favorite vacation spot, unaware that a small cut on his leg would become a fatal entry point for the bacteria. “Virginia Beach was our absolutely favorite place to go, so it’s just so sad that the best place that we had is where he got sick,” his wife, Joyce D’Arcy, told 13 News Now. The bacteria entered his bloodstream through the wound, and despite intensive medical intervention, D’Arcy died 13 days later.

Vibrio vulnificus naturally occurs in coastal waters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While most infections occur from consuming raw or undercooked shellfish—particularly oysters, where the bacteria can concentrate—the CDC warns that the bacteria can also infect swimmers with open wounds.

Infections from Vibrio vulnificus can range from mild to life-threatening. The CDC notes that typical gastrointestinal infections produce “watery diarrhea, often accompanied by stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever.” More severe bloodstream or wound infections, however, can cause dangerously low blood pressure, skin blisters, and necrotizing fasciitis—a condition commonly known as flesh-eating disease. In extreme cases, doctors may need to amputate limbs to remove infected tissue.

D’Arcy’s health history placed him at heightened risk. He had been on home dialysis for the past seven years following treatment for cancer, according to a GoFundMe page established to support the family. His weakened immune system allowed the infection to spread rapidly.

“Unfortunately I had to say yes to amputating both legs,” Joyce D’Arcy told 13 News Now. “About 12 hours later, they noticed spots on his chest, on his head, his hand and his back, so we knew we lost the fight.”

The tragic case underscores the danger of Vibrio vulnificus in coastal waters, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems. While rare, infections can progress rapidly, emphasizing the need for caution when swimming in brackish or saltwater with open wounds.

D’Arcy’s family described him as a devoted pastor, father, and husband whose life was cut tragically short. Authorities and health officials continue to remind the public about the risks associated with coastal bacteria, stressing that even minor cuts or abrasions can have deadly consequences in certain conditions.