Best Man Dies After Sudden Illness at Brother’s Wedding

A Massachusetts man who flew across the world to stand beside his brother on one of the happiest days of his life has died months after a sudden and devastating illness forced doctors to amputate both of his legs.

Andrew Wasil, 39, of Braintree, Mass., traveled to India in February to serve as the best man at his brother’s wedding outside Mumbai, according to reports from WHDH and WCVB. But just one day after the celebration, his family said, Andrew became dangerously ill in a medical emergency that quickly turned life-threatening.

His sister, Erica Vinton, shared on GoFundMe that Andrew “became suddenly and severely ill” with what she described as “a dangerous strep infection.” The infection eventually sent him into septic shock, a severe and potentially deadly reaction that can happen when the body responds aggressively to an infection.

As doctors fought to save his life, Andrew underwent amputations below both knees, his family said. Vinton later explained that the heartbreaking procedure was necessary to keep him alive.

Andrew spent more than six weeks receiving “extensive treatment” in an intensive care unit in India before he was stable enough to return to the United States. His family launched a GoFundMe to help cover the cost of bringing him home by air ambulance, and the fundraiser ultimately brought in more than $220,000.

By late April, Andrew was back in Boston, where he continued receiving medical care. But on June 19, he died at Brigham and Women’s Hospital “after a brief illness,” according to his obituary. He was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away.

Andrew’s mother, Suzanne Wasil, previously told WHDH that doctors said the strep virus “went into his lungs.” She said blood testing also showed “traces of the common cold and the flu,” adding another layer to the terrifying medical crisis that struck without warning.

His death has left family, friends and loved ones mourning a man remembered not only for the battle he fought, but for the life he lived before everything changed.

According to his obituary, Andrew worked as a grocery manager for Stop & Shop Supermarket Company, where he began his career in 2002. He graduated from Braintree High School in 2005 and later attended Massasoit Community College.

Those who knew him described him as loyal, kind and generous. He loved sports, traveling, visiting local breweries and restaurants, and spending time with his close circle of friends. His family also said he had a special bond with his nieces and nephew, who “love him to pieces.”

As Andrew’s medical nightmare unfolded, his family said they were overwhelmed by the support they received from the community.

“We have no words except thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” Suzanne told WHDH. “He’s loyal and kind and generous, and his nieces and nephew love him to pieces.”

Andrew’s funeral was held on June 26, according to his obituary.

What began as a joyful family trip for his brother’s wedding ended in an unimaginable tragedy — one that left Andrew’s loved ones grieving the loss of a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend who was taken far too soon.