The recent E. coli outbreak linked to onions used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has impacted dozens of people across the United States, and, tragically, claimed the life of JC Smith, an 88-year-old man from Grand Junction, Colorado. His grieving family reflects on their loss, hoping their story raises awareness of the outbreak’s severity and the risks it poses to public health.

A Devastating Loss for a Family and Community

Smith, a longtime Grand Junction resident, passed away on October 20 after suffering from severe symptoms believed to be caused by E. coli-contaminated onions on his favorite McDonald’s meal. “All he wanted to do was enjoy a hamburger with his wife,” his daughter Debbie Bonnell shared. “He put his trust in these restaurants, and all we want is our dad back.” This outbreak has affected 90 people across 13 states, with Colorado seeing the highest number of cases.

Smith’s wife, Doris, and his family are heartbroken and shocked, recounting his final days with heavy hearts. JC and Doris had recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, continuing to enjoy outings together, often including meals at their local McDonald’s.

The Outbreak: E. coli Traced to Onions at McDonald’s

According to investigators, the outbreak has been traced to yellow-slivered onions sourced from Taylor Farms, a distribution center in Colorado Springs. Taylor Farms has since pulled these onions from McDonald’s locations and issued a recall to other food service operators. JC Smith, unfortunately, became one of the first confirmed cases linked to the outbreak, suffering a severe form of the illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that while most people recover from E. coli, some individuals experience severe complications. Sadly, Smith’s health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his eventual hospitalization and death.

Regular McDonald’s Visits and the Importance of Routine

JC and Doris often frequented the same McDonald’s restaurant in western Colorado, not far from their home, where they regularly ordered Quarter Pounders. However, a late September visit marked the beginning of a devastating turn of events. Shortly after their meal, JC experienced symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. Despite his brief recovery and release from the hospital, the family remained unaware of any specific guidance from health officials about a possible E. coli outbreak.

When JC, unaware of the outbreak, returned to McDonald’s and ordered his usual Quarter Pounder, he once again fell severely ill. His symptoms escalated quickly, resulting in his death on October 20.

Remembering JC Smith: A Beloved Family Man

Described as a strong and loving man, JC Smith was a Marine veteran who led a fulfilling life. Originally from Mississippi, he served as a firefighter, postal worker, and small business owner before retiring as a maintenance manager in Colorado. His daughter recalled her father’s resilient spirit, noting that, despite his age, he continued to embrace life and cherished time spent with family, especially his great-grandchildren.

“All in all, my dad was a loving person. He was compassionate. If he needed to be stern, you didn’t want to be on that side,” JC’s son Jim Smith shared, reflecting on his father’s unique blend of kindness and strength.

E. Coli’s Impact on the Family

JC’s wife Doris carries feelings of guilt, remembering how she would often scrape onions off her burger and give them to him, not realizing they were contaminated. “I feel guilty now because I gave him some onions,” Doris said. On October 3, she called Debbie to report that JC, usually strong and energetic, had become uncharacteristically weak and was bedridden. JC’s family rushed to support him, staying by his side through the worsening symptoms.

“We watched my daddy have excruciating pain for many days,” Debbie recalled. “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.’” These painful memories emphasize the physical and emotional toll the outbreak has taken on the Smith family.

Raising Awareness Amid Tragedy

Following JC’s death, health officials released a public statement about the outbreak. However, JC’s family questions if more could have been done sooner to prevent such a tragic outcome. Jim Smith, JC’s grandson, expressed a deep sense of responsibility to share his family’s story, hoping it might protect others from similar heartbreak. “If you are out there in that line of work … and you lose a level of concern or become complacent, accidents happen. Then you’re going to be held accountable,” he said.

While the family has yet to pursue legal action, they are focused on honoring JC’s memory and advocating for more stringent safety measures in the food industry.