In their first public statement since the passing of Dominique Brown, who died from an anaphylactic reaction to a food she was assured was safe for her peanut allergy at a BoxLunch event, the company issued the following statement on Instagram:
Dominique Brown created a community of love, joy, and representation. We are devastated by her sudden and tragic passing. She was a beloved member of the BoxLunch Collective and brought joy to all whose lives she touched.
As we’ve shared with the media, the BoxLunch Collective members, and everyone else we have been in contact with, we will do everything possible to support Dominique’s family, her loved ones, the Collective, and our team members during this painful time.
We are providing grief counseling services to the BoxLunch Collective, BoxLunch team, and others directly affected by this tragedy. We are also in the process of conducting an investigation into the tragic circumstances of her passing, which occurred at a BoxLunch event hosted at a venue in Los Angeles. We have not yet received the information we requested from the operators of the event venue to get an accurate and detailed account of the night. As we learn more, we plan to share this information with Dominique’s family.
While we know that there are no words or actions that will fully heal anyone’s pain, we will do all we can to honor Dominique.
Although the statement indicates the company has launched an internal investigation into the tragedy, we are left to wonder whether authorities in charge of public safety are conducting an official inquiry into the events that led to the death of Ms Brown.
As we did following our initial report, we reiterate the following important advice to those who have been diagnosed with a food allergy:
You are at Risk.
Haven’t had a reaction in years? Was your last reaction mild? Think you’ll only break out in a hive or two or experience some itchiness if exposed?
Don’t bet your life on it. Your last reaction, or lack thereof, does not predict the severity of the next which could be severe, even life-threatening.
As unfair as it is, people with food allergies are burdened with the need to be vigilant at all times.
Always take two emergency epinephrine devices — auto-injectors or nasal sprays — along with you everywhere, every time, and administer the first when you first suspect anaphylaxis.
Epinephrine is the only drug that can halt and reverse the progression of anaphylaxis — a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction — but it must be administered shortly after the onset of symptoms to offer the best outcome.
Consider epinephrine your life preserver. It can’t help you if you leave it at home in the medicine cabinet or your hotel room. Always carry it and never hesitate to use it.
Be careful who you trust with your life.
Whenever you venture out — to a restaurant, event, or even a friend’s house — and consider eating there, ask yourself whether you trust the host with your life.
Did you discuss your allergy with the kitchen staff, chef, and server? Based on their feedback, are you confident enough to put your life on the line? Do they understand the danger of cross-contact and have the means and training to prevent it? If not, don’t eat there — period.
Take your own food along whenever possible so you don’t have to trust others.
Friends and family must be advocates.
Is your parent or sibling a pain in the ass, always asking whether you have your epinephrine with you? Does your significant other butt in and ask questions of restaurant staff that you might have forgotten? Does your friend pester you for instructions on when and how to administer your device? Good! Consider yourself lucky.
They take their responsibility as your advocate seriously, and you should encourage them rather than dismiss their efforts. Remember, the larger and more engaged your advocate group, the more eyes will be watching to help keep you safe.
