Utah woman speaks out after losing husband to post-sepsis syndrome - KSL.com

What the report says

KSL.com reported that Stefani Ellison of Cedar City, Utah, is speaking publicly about the death of her husband, Stephen Ellison, 68, who died by suicide on July 18, 2025. Ellison told KSL that she believes his death was tied largely to post-sepsis syndrome, a set of physical, cognitive and emotional problems that can affect people after surviving sepsis.

According to KSL, Stephen Ellison developed an infected sore on his left foot in spring 2023, connected to an old broken-foot injury. He first underwent surgery to remove toes, then experienced repeated sepsis over the following months. His condition eventually led to a below-the-knee leg amputation on the third Friday of July 2023. Stefani Ellison said that even after he was fitted for a prosthetic leg and appeared to be improving physically, he did not return to his previous cognitive and emotional baseline.

KSL reported that Ellison described her husband as formerly sharp and capable, but said he later struggled with cognitive decline, sleeplessness, frustration and discouragement. She said the family did not know the term post-sepsis syndrome at the time and later found information through the Sepsis Alliance. KSL cited the National Institutes of Health as saying the condition affects up to half of sepsis survivors.

Ellison said she hopes sharing the family’s experience will help others recognize possible aftereffects of sepsis and seek support sooner. For anyone in crisis or considering suicide, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988 in the United States.