Story perspectives

Man on Life Support After Meningitis Surgeries Sparks GoFundMe

4/28/2026

Summary

Samuel Monroe Critical

Samuel Monroe Jr., 52, is on life support in a Southern California hospital battling meningitis.
He has had two brain surgeries in the past nine months after his meningitis diagnosis.
His wife Shawna Stewart, children Kingston, 12, and Brooklynn, 11, stay at his bedside as his mother Joyce posted a prayer request on Facebook.
The family launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover his medical expenses and support his children.

Summary

Samuel Misdiagnosed

The family says Samuel’s meningitis stems from a Las Vegas filming trip about 18 months ago.
Shawna Stewart reported that Samuel visited several hospitals where doctors repeatedly misdiagnosed his condition.
The infection remained untreated for eight months because of alleged negligence, prompting doctors to later discover it had spread to his spine and brain.
The family’s statement asked fans to keep Samuel in prayers after the delayed diagnosis allowed the disease to progress.

Summary

Samuel Monroe Hospitalized

Samuel Monroe Jr. remains in intensive care as doctors work to identify the bloodstream infection causing his meningitis.
His family has disclosed only his ICU status while keeping specific medical details private.
Peers in the entertainment industry have posted supportive messages for Monroe on social media.
His credits include Out All Night, NYPD Blue, and the parody Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.

1 of 3

Samuel Monroe Critical

Samuel Monroe Jr., 52, is on life support in a Southern California hospital battling meningitis.
He has had two brain surgeries in the past nine months after his meningitis diagnosis.
His wife Shawna Stewart, children Kingston, 12, and Brooklynn, 11, stay at his bedside as his mother Joyce posted a prayer request on Facebook.
The family launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover his medical expenses and support his children.

1 / 3