YouTuber's Girlfriend Natalie Clark Dies After Eating Raw Oysters

Billy LeBlanc, founder of the popular family YouTube channel Bratayley, announced that his girlfriend, Natalie Clark, has died from a bacterial infection she contracted from eating raw oysters. LeBlanc was also in the hospital for nearly two weeks after consuming the same oysters.

According to People, the couple contracted a rare bacterial infection, Vibrio vulnificus. The CDC describes it as naturally occurring in some waters, and since “oysters feed by filtering water, vibrio can concentrate inside oysters.”

Diarrhea and vomiting are the most common symptoms, but the infection can sometimes require intensive care or amputation. Approximately 20% of those affected die.

This week, the content creator shared photos of himself and Clark from their road trip. "I’m sure none of you know but I recently almost died. I was in the hospital for 12 days," LeBlanc wrote in the caption. "Unfortunately Natalie didn’t make it and she passed away. I will always remember how we got lost everywhere together. I will always love her and miss her.. Be safe and hold your loved ones tight you, never know when it’ll be the last time you see them."

In a video, LeBlanc addressed questions about Clark, debunking claims that he was trying to gain publicity. "We ate oysters, and we both felt sick for a couple of days, and then I woke up, and she was gone," he recalled.

LeBlanc’s mother, Yvette Berthelot, also shared the shocking news in a Facebook post. She took the time to thank everyone for their support. "Billy and Natalie ate raw oysters and contracted a deadly virus," Berthelot wrote. "Natalie lost her life and Billy was very close to death. In ICU for 8 days. Please continue to pray for Natalie's son Julian for her family and for Billy, both for his health and his heart."

Last year, the CDC issued an emergency notice regarding the bacteria, which is said to thrive in warmer waters. The agency still maintains that Vibrio vulnificus is rare and that eating raw seafood (particularly oysters) can increase your chances of infection. "There are about 100 to 200 cases reported in the U.S. every year," clevelandclinic.org writes. "Infections caused by other species of Vibrio are much more common, with about 80,000 cases of vibriosis total per year."

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