👨 Who: Donell, a cook at the Shrimp Basket in Pensacola
🦐 What: Saved a longtime customer’s life after checking on him when he stopped coming in
📅 When: The event came to light after a Facebook post on September 26, 2025
📍 Where: Shrimp Basket, North Navy Boulevard, Pensacola, Florida
❤️ Why: Donell noticed the customer’s unusual absence and decided to make sure he was okay
A Shrimp Basket cook in Pensacola is being praised as a local hero after taking the initiative to check on a longtime customer — a decision that likely saved the man’s life.
Donell, a cook at the Shrimp Basket located on North Navy Boulevard, noticed something was off when one of the restaurant’s most faithful guests hadn’t come in for several days. For more than a decade, the man had visited the seafood restaurant daily — often sitting in the same spot and chatting with staff. When he suddenly stopped showing up, Donell grew concerned.
Instead of brushing it off, Donell decided to visit the customer’s home to make sure he was alright. When he arrived, he found the man had fallen and was unable to get up or reach help. Donell immediately called emergency services and stayed by his side until first responders arrived.
The guest’s niece shared what happened in a Facebook post on September 26, saying Donell’s concern and action likely saved her uncle’s life. The post quickly spread online, with hundreds of people commenting and sharing praise for Donell’s compassion and quick thinking.
For many commenters, Donell’s actions represented more than just a good deed — they showed the value of human connection in a busy world. One user wrote that the story reminded them of how important it is to “look out for one another,” especially in close-knit communities like Pensacola.
Shrimp Basket’s management also recognized Donell’s actions, noting that his compassion reflected the restaurant’s long-standing values of care and community.
Founded in 1993, Shrimp Basket operates locations across the Southeast and serves classic Southern-style seafood dishes. The company says it strives to treat every guest like family — a goal that, in this case, took on literal meaning.
As word of Donell’s kindness continues to spread, many in the Pensacola area say his story serves as a reminder that small acts of awareness and care can make a life-saving difference.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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