update
I was given a direct update about the absent coworker. He's had his leg amputated due to his diabetes. The story: he got new boots. They chafed a little raw spot on his foot. ( Stuff like this is A Big Freakin' Deal (tm) for diabetics.) It became infected. He got a fever. (This is when Team Lead called and got a simple "I'm sick.") Tuesday he passed out, and his room-mate took him to the ER. He had to be in the ICU and when he woke up the amputation was done.
I've been told he's awake, he's his usual snarky self, playing with his new stump, and insisting his hospital discharge date is going to be his back to work date.
I've been told he's awake, he's his usual snarky self, playing with his new stump, and insisting his hospital discharge date is going to be his back to work date.