Surf City's 'Lobster Guy' Reunites with Surgeon Who Saved His Life

Trevor Dostie marks one-year anniversary of near-fatal e-bike crash by thanking the doctor who operated on his brain.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:04am

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image of a human brain, with glowing neural pathways and structures, conceptually representing the fragility and resilience of the human mind.A year after a near-fatal e-bike accident, a Surf City restaurant owner reunites with the surgeon who saved his life through emergency brain surgery.Wilmington Today

Trevor Dostie, the owner of Maine Lobstah Shack in Surf City, North Carolina, reunited with the surgeon who saved his life after a near-fatal e-bike accident one year ago. Dostie, known locally as the 'lobster guy,' brought his food truck to Atlantic Brain and Spine to give out free food to healthcare workers as a gesture of gratitude to Dr. Geoffrey Stricsek, who performed life-saving surgery on Dostie's brain following the crash.

Why it matters

Dostie's story highlights the importance of advanced trauma care and the profound impact doctors can have on patients' lives. His recovery is seen as a 'miracle' by the local community, many of whom were unsure if he would survive the initial accident.

The details

Dostie was riding his e-bike last April when he was hit in a crash that left him unresponsive in the hospital. Dr. Stricsek performed the emergency brain surgery that saved Dostie's life. Today, Dostie has fully recovered with no lingering symptoms, which he credits to both the skilled medical care and his faith.

  • On April 17, 2025, Dostie was involved in a near-fatal e-bike accident.
  • One year later, on April 17, 2026, Dostie reunited with Dr. Stricsek to thank him for saving his life.

The players

Trevor Dostie

The owner of Maine Lobstah Shack in Surf City, North Carolina, who is known locally as the 'lobster guy'.

Dr. Geoffrey Stricsek

The surgeon at Atlantic Brain and Spine who performed life-saving surgery on Dostie following his e-bike accident.

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What they’re saying

“I said, 'Thank God, it was you that day that was on staff to operate on me.'”

— Trevor Dostie, Restaurant Owner

“I have no headaches. I have 100% cognitive, 100% movement. I mean, I'm very thankful.”

— Trevor Dostie, Restaurant Owner

“First, I credit the Lord and using Dr. Stricsek's hands to save me. I mean, every day at the Shack, I share my story. I've had grown men hug me, crying, saying 'we've been wondering if he's real.' So, it's been really amazing.”

— Trevor Dostie, Restaurant Owner

What’s next

Dostie plans to contact the trauma team at Novant Health and treat them to a free lunch sometime soon as a further gesture of gratitude.

The takeaway

Dostie's miraculous recovery highlights the life-saving impact of advanced trauma care and the power of community support. His story has inspired many in the Surf City area and serves as a testament to the importance of expressing gratitude to the medical professionals who make such a profound difference in people's lives.