A celebratory lunch event in downtown Los Angeles took a tragic turn when Disney influencer Dominique Brown experienced a sudden medical emergency.
According to The Guardian, the 34-year-old co-founder of Black Girl Disney died following a severe allergic reaction at a BoxLunch-hosted event on December 5, despite immediate medical intervention.
Brown had established herself as a prominent figure in the Disney influencer community since co-founding Black Girl Disney with Mia Von in 2018.
Their platform emerged from a recognized need to increase the representation of Black women in Disney-focused social media content. Prior to the incident, Brown had recently attended the premiere of Moana 2.
The incident occurred after Brown reportedly consumed food at the event, having been assured it contained no peanuts. Witnesses describe a rapid deterioration in her condition, prompting immediate calls for emergency assistance and the administration of CPR at the venue.
BoxLunch, the pop-culture retail merchandiser hosting the event, issued an official statement expressing their devastation. The company confirmed they had taken precautions regarding guest allergies and maintained communication with the venue about dietary restrictions.
A source close to the situation provided additional details about the emergency response, confirming that 911 was contacted without delay. The incident has sparked an investigation into the precise cause of death, with authorities working to piece together the sequence of events.
Brown's final social media presence showcased her wearing BoxLunch merchandise, specifically a Winnie the Pooh sweater. The post, now serving as a memorial, has drawn numerous tributes from fans and fellow influencers.
BoxLunch released an extended statement addressing the tragedy. The company spokesperson said:
We are devastated by the passing of Dominique Brown, a beloved member of the BoxLunch Collective, who suffered a medical emergency at an event hosted by BoxLunch Thursday in Los Angeles. Our hearts go out to her family and friends, and we will do everything we can to support them and the members of the BoxLunch Collective and our team during this painful time.
Brown's brother shared a heartfelt message on her final Instagram post, acknowledging the community she had built. His words reflected the deep connection between Brown and her followers, emphasizing how Disney brought joy to her life and helped her create meaningful relationships with like-minded enthusiasts.
Dominique Brown, aged 34, died on December 5 after suffering a severe allergic reaction at a BoxLunch event in downtown Los Angeles.
The Black Girl Disney co-founder had been assured the food served was peanut-free but experienced immediate adverse effects that led to a medical emergency despite rapid response efforts.
The incident remains under investigation as the Disney influencer community mourns the loss of a pioneering voice who worked to increase Black representation in Disney-focused content creation. Brown's final public appearance at the Moana 2 premiere and her last social media post featuring BoxLunch merchandise stand as reminders of her dedication to the Disney community she helped build.
