Dominique Brown, a beloved Disney influencer and co-founder of Black Girl Disney, passed away last week after succumbing to an allergic reaction at a holiday gathering hosted by pop-culture retailer BoxLunch. She was 34.
While BoxLunch confirmed her death in an official statement, multiple media outlets report that Brown experienced an anaphylactic reaction after unknowingly consuming food containing a known allergen, possibly peanuts. The event, held at Vibiana in Los Angeles, turned tragic despite efforts to revive Brown with CPR before paramedics arrived.
Brown’s death has sparked widespread conversations about food allergy safety. Approximately 33 million Americans have at least one food allergy, according to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). In response to Brown’s passing, FARE emphasized the importance of preparedness: “We need to be informed and ready to act so that this doesn’t happen anymore; or, if it does happen, so we are able to assist.”
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The Risks of Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction triggered by foods, insect stings, medications, or latex. Symptoms often escalate quickly, starting with mild signs such as a runny nose before advancing to difficulty breathing, nausea, swelling, or even cardiac arrest. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology notes that immediate treatment with epinephrine is crucial in such situations.
Brown’s tragic death has spotlighted the urgency of proper food labeling, staff training, and event safety protocols. Her supporters expressed both grief and outrage on social media, with many blaming the event organizers for alleged negligence.
A Legacy of Representation and Joy
Brown was more than a Disney fan—she pioneered creating inclusive spaces within the Disney fandom. Alongside co-founder Mia Von, the influencer launched Black Girl Disney and the #BlackGirlDisney hashtag in 2018 to celebrate diversity in a predominantly white community. “We wanted to create a space where we were not only represented, but CENTERED,” their website explains.
Her family, friends, and followers remember her as a beacon of joy. Brown’s brother, Patrick Ramos, expressed gratitude to her 20,000 Instagram followers for their support.
“I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to her social media fam for showing her so much love and light. 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. ❤️,” Ramos penned in the comments section of his beloved sister’s account.
Brown’s final Instagram post featured her in a Winnie the Pooh hat at a Disney Store. Comments under the post mourned her loss and demanded accountability for what some described as a preventable tragedy.
“We will be LOUD about your death and support your family however they choose to handle this,” wrote one follower.
Someone else penned, “I’ve just been sitting here thinking of what to say because I can’t process that you aren’t here. Thank you for creating and holding space for all of [the] Black Disney girls. I hope you know that you are so deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. Love you so so much.”
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Animator Eddie Clark, a close friend of Brown, shared his grief on X, posting a video of their time together with the caption, “My soul hurts. I lost my cohost, my friend, my sister. It doesn’t seem real.”
My soul hurts. I lost my cohost, my friend, my sister. It doesn’t seem real. #rip @hellooDoMo #dominiquebrown 🍯 💔 pic.twitter.com/rzuXfD9kIv
— Eddie Clark (@eclarkanimation) December 8, 2024
BoxLunch Under Scrutiny
BoxLunch, the event’s host, told People and Us Weekly: “We are devastated by the passing of Dominique Brown, a beloved member of the BoxLunch Collective. Our hearts go out to her family and friends, and we will do everything we can to support them during this painful time.”
The company and the event venue, Vibiana, have not responded to requests for further comment. As investigations continue, advocates stress the need for stricter food safety measures at public and private events to prevent future tragedies.
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