URGENT UPDATE: A heroic act by a chef at the Shrimp Basket in Pensacola, Florida, has saved the life of a 78-year-old Air Force veteran who went missing after failing to show up for his daily meal. Charlie Hicks had a routine of visiting the restaurant every day for the past decade, but on September 11, 2023, staff noticed his absence and took action.
Hicks, who has been a beloved regular at the Shrimp Basket, had been feeling unwell and requested meal deliveries to his home. Unfortunately, he fell in his house and was unable to call for help, lying on the floor for hours. Donell Stallworth, a chef and friend of Hicks, became concerned after realizing he hadn’t seen him that day. “Something was just off,” Stallworth said, prompting him to check on his friend.
Upon arriving at Hicks’ home, Stallworth knocked repeatedly until he heard a faint cry for help. He found Hicks on the ground, weak and dehydrated, having missed his diabetes medication. “If Donell hadn’t showed up, I was going to have to crawl out the front door,” Hicks shared, expressing immense gratitude for Stallworth’s timely intervention.
Emergency services were called, and Hicks was hospitalized with two broken ribs and severe dehydration. He spent a week in the hospital followed by seven weeks of physical rehabilitation. “I’m thankful to have my friend,” he said, now using a walker gifted by the Shrimp Basket team.
In a heartwarming gesture of community support, Jeff Brooks, brand president of Shrimp Basket, announced that the chain will provide customers with a free cup of gumbo every Monday for three weeks. During the first week alone, they distributed nearly 1,000 cups of gumbo. In a further show of appreciation, Hicks has been granted free gumbo for life—twice a day, every day.
Hicks emphasized the importance of checking on elderly neighbors, saying, “For God’s sake, check on them every once in a while.” Stallworth, who considers Hicks a family figure, affirmed, “He means a lot to me.”
This story underscores the vital connections in our communities and the impact of caring for one another, especially among the elderly. As the Shrimp Basket continues to embrace its mission of putting people first, Hicks’ experience serves as a powerful reminder of kindness and vigilance.
Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring story, and consider reaching out to those in your community who may need a helping hand today.
