AbstractPanton‐Valentine leucocidin toxin‐producing methicillin‐resistant staphylococcus aureus is an important uncommon cause of community‐acquired pneumonia; we describe a case of necrotizing pneumonia presenting as respiratory failure necessitating early initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, acute kidney injury and rhabdomyolysis, awareness, prompt recognition and appropriate management are crucial due to possible significant pathology.