TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — Boar’s Head settled its first wrongful death lawsuit tied to the 2024 Listeria outbreak caused by at-the-counter deli meat.

Ron Simon & Associates announced on Dec. 13 that the agreement was reached on behalf of the firm’s client, the family of Gunter Morgenstein, who allegedly died due to a Listeria infection.

Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

“Gunter did not die in vain,” said Peggy Morgenstein, wife of Gunter Morgenstein. “As a result of this terrible tragedy, and the efforts of Ron Simon and his team, Boar’s Head has committed itself to making their food processes safer for everyone.”

Gunter Morgenstein, 88, purchased Boar’s Head liverwurst at a local retailer in Newport News, Va., on June 30. After consuming the product, he experienced diarrhea, weakness and shortness of breath. He was taken to the hospital on July 8, where he was diagnosed with sepsis and listeriosis. He passed away on July 18.

The Morgenstein family brought litigation against Boar’s Head in September. This was the first wrongful death suit against Boar’s Head, but a consumer class action lawsuit was also previously filed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak resulted in 10 reported deaths and 61 total illnesses nationwide.

Through epidemiologic, laboratory and traceback data, the CDC discovered the Listeria outbreak was caused by meats sliced at deli counters, including Boar’s Head’s liverwurst.

Boar’s Head issued a recall for over 7 million lbs of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products in July 2024.