NEW ORLEANS — A family on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is hoping to raise awareness about the infection that took the life of a beloved father and grandfather, who adored living life on the water.

They want people with special health conditions to be aware of a potentially deadly risk from bacteria that increase in the hot summer months.

Since he was young, Basil Kennedy loved being on the water. Whether it was sailing or fishing near his home in Bay St. Louis or the camp in Pointe à la Hache, the only thing better was doing it with family and friends at his side.

“Basil was one of these guys who liked to bring people together to enjoy each other's company, and it was always just fun being around him. You knew you were going to have a good time,” said close friend Corky Hadden.

But recen

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