Tragedy struck the Disney influencer community this week.
According to the New York Post, Disney theme park influencer Dominique Brown tragically passed away after suffering a fatal allergic reaction to peanuts at a holiday food event in Los Angeles on December 5, 2024.
Dominique Brown was attending an event organized by BoxLunch, a retailer known for its pop culture-themed merchandise.
At the gathering, despite her diligence in inquiring about the ingredients of the food she was served, Dominique was given incorrect information. She was unaware that the dish she ate contained peanuts, a substance to which she had a severe allergy.
Dominique immediately felt unwell after consuming the food. She promptly sought medical assistance and CPR was administered at the scene while emergency services were called. Unfortunately, despite the quick response, Dominique succumbed to the allergic reaction shortly after being hospitalized.
Long Beach-based Dominique Brown was a celebrated figure within the Disney fan community. Aside from her Disney-related content, she was also a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion within this space.
Along with Mia Von, Dominique helped co-found BlackGirlDisney. This initiative aimed to support more women of color in becoming visible and active within the Disney influencer community.
In one of her most recent and notable appearances, Dominique attended the premiere of "Moana 2," demonstrating her ongoing commitment to promoting diversity through major platforms and productions.
The reaction to her sudden death has been one of shock and deep sadness. A statement provided by BoxLunch conveyed the depth of their devastation:
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 on 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.
On social media, a user noted Dominique's concern about the allergens in her food, highlighting the misinformation given to her: "She asked if there were peanuts in the food and everyone told her no."
Patrick Ramos, Dominique's brother, expressed his sorrow and gratitude toward the community that embraced his sister:
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 that 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.
Dominique's untimely death is not just a personal loss to her family but also a significant loss to the Disney enthusiast community and the broader discourse on safety and inclusivity in public events.
In conclusion, Dominique Brown's tragic death highlights crucial issues related to food safety and allergen information at public events. Her legacy, underpinned by her passion for Disney and advocacy for diversity, will endure in the communities she touched. This incident prompts a re-evaluation of procedures at food events, especially concerning allergen information to prevent such tragedies in the future.
