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- Dominique Brown, a Disney influencer and co-founder of Black Girl Disney, died of an allergic reaction on December 5, 2024, during a food event.
- She had informed the event staff of her severe peanut allergy but was assured the food contained no peanuts.
- A petition has since been launched to enhance food allergy safety measures in California after the incident.
In the United States, specifically in Los Angeles, Dominique Brown, a 34-year-old Disney influencer, tragically died on December 5, 2024. She was attending a lunch event hosted by the retailer BoxLunch, where she reportedly suffered a severe allergic reaction after consuming food that was not properly labeled. Brown had a known severe peanut allergy, and despite informing the staff of her allergy, she was assured that the food served did not contain peanuts. After her reaction, fellow attendees and staff administered CPR until emergency services were called. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her medical emergency shortly thereafter. Following her death, her friend Marcus Medley launched a petition on Change.org, calling for stricter food allergy measures to be implemented across all food establishments in California. The petition quickly garnered over 19,000 signatures, with demands including mandatory availability of epinephrine autoinjectors (EpiPens) at food facilities and training for staff to recognize and respond to allergic reactions appropriately. Medley emphasized the seriousness of food allergies and the necessity for change, highlighting Brown's tragic experience as part of a broader issue affecting many individuals with similar allergies. BoxLunch, the host of the event where Brown fell ill, issued a statement expressing their devastation over her passing. They mentioned that emergency services were contacted immediately and that attempts were made to ensure all guests' allergies were communicated to the venue. However, the investigation into the incident continues, looking into how protocols were followed during the event. BoxLunch is also providing grief counseling for their team members impacted by this tragic event. However, the details of Brown's last moments remain a painful reminder of the potential risks associated with food allergies. Dominique Brown was not only known for her love of Disney but was also a co-founder of the account Black Girl Disney, aimed at addressing the representation of Black women in Disney influencer spaces. She had recently shared her enthusiasm for Disney merchandise on social media and attended events celebrating Disney, such as the premiere of Moana 2. Her untimely death has sparked discussions about safety protocols and the importance of transparency regarding food ingredients in public venues. The backlash and the ensuing petition reflect a growing demand for legislative measures to be put in place to prevent similar tragedies in the future.