Alan Foster, a 77-year-old retired teacher, died from suspected kidney failure after contracting norovirus on a cruise from Southampton to New York. His wife, Deanna, expressed immense grief, blaming herself for encouraging the trip, which was meant to be a dream vacation. The cruise ship P&O Arcadia experienced an outbreak that affected nearly 100 passengers. Despite raising alarms about Alan’s worsening condition, they felt they received insufficient medical attention until it was too late. After his death, their sons have sought legal counsel to investigate the handling of medical care during the outbreak, hoping to prevent similar tragedies.
A father of two died from suspected kidney failure after contracting norovirus on a cruise ship. His grieving wife revealed she “blames herself” for his tragic death.
Alan Foster, 77, embarked on a dream journey with his wife Deanna, traveling from Southampton to New York on the P&O Arcadia from September 3 to October 3.
But just two weeks after setting sail, the retired teacher from Paignton, Devon, fell ill with diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention later confirmed that an outbreak of norovirus had occurred on the ship, affecting nearly 100 passengers.
Locked in the cabin, Mr Forster’s condition worsened and he sadly succumbed to the disease.
Mr. Foster leaves behind his wife of 54 years, two sons, John and Ian, and four grandchildren.
Alan Foster dies of suspected kidney failure after contracting norovirus on cruise ship
The 77-year-old was embarking on a dream trip with his wife Deanna, traveling from Southampton to New York on the P&O Arcadia.
Paying tribute to Mr Foster, his wife Deanna, 79, said: “Alan was the most loving husband and father.” We were looking forward to many more years together, but that was taken away from us in the cruelest way. ”
Mrs Forster said the couple, who have been on 47 cruises, can’t wait to start their holidays, the Mirror reported.
“I’m the one who wanted to go on the cruise,” she added, “I blame myself. If it wasn’t for me, he would still be here.”
After Mr Foster’s death, Mr Foster’s sons, both 47, instructed Irwin Mitchell’s lawyers to investigate.
Despite raising the alarm earlier about Ms Forster’s symptoms, she said no treatment was offered to them.
After Mr Foster’s death, Mr Foster’s sons, both 47, instructed Irwin Mitchell’s lawyers to investigate.
The only help they received was a nurse who helped lift Alan from the cabin floor when he collapsed, the Mirror reported.
“It was only when his symptoms became severe and I refused to take no for an answer that he was finally taken to a medical centre,” Mrs Forster added.
Mr Forster was taken to hospital when the ship docked in Saint John, Canada, but unfortunately his condition worsened and his kidneys began to fail.
Mrs Foster admitted that even as her husband was taken to hospital, she “never thought for a second that I would lose him”.
“What we hope now is some help in understanding what happened and what we can do to prevent this horrific ongoing ordeal from happening to others.” That’s the answer.”
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal inflammation. It is also sometimes called “gastroenteritis.”
MailOnline has contacted P&O Cruises for comment.