Massachusetts man who fell ill in Fiji dies

The Holbrook resident Scott “Scooter” Winslow, who fell critically ill while on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Fiji, has died, family members told CBS News. 

According to a GoFundMe campaign organized by Bobby Sheehan on behalf of the family, Winslow and his wife first left for Fiji in April. A few weeks into the trip, he developed an infection that appeared to be from an insect bite. 

Although it was unclear where the infection started, Winslow’s condition worsened, becoming critical before he was admitted into an intensive care unit at a local hospital. 

In a July 2 update to the GoFundMe page, the family said that despite trying to get their father medflighted to Mass General Hospital, their request was denied. 

“This has been difficult and overwhelming for our family,” the post said. “At the same time, we are deeply grateful for the love, generosity, prayers, messages, and donations we’ve received.”

It continued, “Your support has carried us through some of our hardest moments, and we can’t thank you enough.” 

According to CBS News, Winslow’s two daughters were able to make the 8,000-mile trip to be with him before he died. 

“We are at the hospital and just said goodbye to our father,” his daughter told WBZ-TV. “We are heartbroken.” 

Beth Treffeisen is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on local news, crime, and business in the New England region.