On the first of May, 2023, Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported the death of a 64-year-old woman named Donna Ventura. At this time, authorities believe Donna passed away due to a foodborne illness – the findings of the of Gallatin, Montana coroner.
In the full media release concerning the death of Ms. Ventura, published on April 30th, 2023, it is reported that “the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office investigated a death that occurred at the Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center. The victim was identified as 64-year-old Donna Ventura of Belgrade. Donna’s death is suspected to be related to a foodborne illness. The Gallatin City-County Health Department has been notified…Donna’s cause and manner of death will remain pending until autopsy and toxicology results are available.”
According to reports, Donna Ventura was a regular patron at the restaurant Dave’s Sushi. While the exact date of her last visit there is unknown, public health authorities are looking into the possible connection between Donna’s death and Dave’s Sushi restaurant. In fact, Dave’s Sushi closed for further investigation after multiple customers reported cases of food poisoning, following consumption of their food.
According to local reporting on April 18th, a 74-year-old man of the name William Lewis also passed away just two days after eating at Dave’s Sushi, a top hit restaurant in Bozeman, Montana. Dave’s Sushi responded to the food poisoning concerns through social media on April 21st, stating “We understand that several of our customers who dined with us on Monday, April 17, 2023 became ill. We believe that the common ingredient that may have been consumed was FDA-approved, cultured, morel mushrooms used in Monday’s special roll. We promptly contacted the Gallatin County Health Department and have voluntarily closed while the health department conducts their investigation…”
While authorities continue to work with the restaurant in this investigation, consumers are encouraged to report food-poisoning indicative symptoms promptly; such as nausea, diarrhea, fever, dehydration etc. For more information, citizens may contact Gallatin County Health Department Health Officer Lori Christenson, at (406) 582-3100.
