Chef Saves 78-Year-Old Man’s Life After He Stopped Showing Up for His Daily Dinners at Local Restaurant

Chef Becomes Lifesaver for Elderly Patron

In an extraordinary turn of events, a chef’s quick thinking and care have been credited with saving the life of a loyal 78-year-old patron who had mysteriously stopped showing up for his regular meals at a restaurant in Pensacola, Florida.

Chef Donell Stallworth, a dedicated worker at the Shrimp Basket restaurant, sprang into action after noticing the absence of Charlie Hicks, who had frequented the establishment for over a decade, ordering the same meal twice a day without fail.

Hicks, described as a familiar face who brightened the restaurant with his presence, raised concerns among staff members when he failed to show up for two consecutive days in September. Stallworth, recognising the anomaly, shared, “Mr. Hicks don’t miss no days. We open the doors up, Mr. Hicks is there to greet us.”

Realising something was amiss, the staff reached out to Hicks and learned that he was feeling unwell and unable to make the trip to the restaurant. Determined to help, Stallworth took it upon himself to deliver Hicks’ meal to his apartment, where he lived alone, ensuring he had his favourite dish of gumbo.

However, after a couple of days without any communication from Hicks, Stallworth’s concern grew. In a moment of intuition, he decided to visit Hicks at his residence, where he heard a faint cry for help. Upon entering, he found Hicks lying on the floor, injured and dehydrated, with two broken ribs.

The quick actions of Stallworth not only saved Hicks’ life but also led to a heartwarming gesture from the restaurant’s workers. They secured a new apartment for Hicks right next to the restaurant, ensuring his easy access to his beloved meals in the future.

The bond between Stallworth and Hicks was evident as they reunited at the restaurant after the incident. Stallworth expressed his relief, saying, “I’m glad to have you back, buddy.” Hicks, grateful for the care he received, acknowledged the special connection they shared, stating, “We made a connection.”

The Shrimp Basket restaurant, in a statement to PEOPLE, highlighted their core value of prioritising people and commended Stallworth’s actions as a shining example of this principle in action. They praised their team for embodying this value not only within the restaurant but also in the communities they serve.

The heartwarming tale of Chef Stallworth’s heroic actions has resonated deeply, with the restaurant receiving accolades for their commitment to customer care and community support. The incident serves as a reminder of the impact of small gestures of kindness and the power of human connection in saving lives and making a difference in the world.