Disney influencer dies, allegedly due to allergic reaction to food at brand event

“I started thinking about how cars have seat belts and air bags, and planes have emergency exits, and even buildings have fire extinguishers and smoke alarms,” Medley told The Washington Post. “But why don’t [restaurants] have EpiPens or why don’t they have a more clear way of identifying every single ingredient in food?”

Brown’s passing is the latest high-profile death caused by food allergens. In August, a woman died while eating at an Irish pub within the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Her husband filed a wrongful-death lawsuit that alleged the couple was assured multiple times that the restaurant could accommodate the woman’s severe dairy and nut allergy.

Despite the Food and Drug Administration recognizing nine major food allergens, a report found that nearly half of fatal food allergen reactions were caused by food service establishments. Some states have legislation allowing public venues to stock undesignated EpiPens, but this is not specific to food-serving establishments. No states require restaurants to stock EpiPens.

“Until everyone in this country understands that food allergy is a disease of the immune system, not a diet, certainly not a preference nor a choice, tragedies like this will happen,” said Sung Poblete, chief executive of Food Allergy and Research Education.

In the aftermath of Brown’s death, the Disney influencer community has mourned the creator, who was known for being sweet like one of her favorite Disney characters, Winnie the Pooh.

“Forever will think of you when I see the sweet bear, just like the sweet girl you always were,” Jasmin Joestar, a content creator, wrote under Brown’s last Instagram post.

“Thank you for creating and holding space for all of Black Disney girls,” commented Trotter, who called the BlackGirlDisney community “profound.”

“Not only does she break through glass ceilings, she’s extending her arm out and pulling others behind her,” Trotter told The Post.

Brown’s brother Patrick Ramos also commented.

“I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to her social media fam for showing her so much love and light,” he wrote. “Disney did bring her joy, but it was unparalleled that she found a community who loved her and Disney as much as she did. I will miss my sister and best friend and that infectious smile she always had. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart.”