(KTLA) – A Change.org petition calling on more food allergy measures in California has been launched after influencer Dominique Brown passed away after experiencing an allergic reaction to holiday food served at an event in Los Angeles.
BoxLunch, a retailer that specializes in fandom merchandise, hosted the event on Thursday. Brown was 34.
“Our beloved Dominique “Domo” Brown tragically lost her life due to a severe allergic reaction at an event + food establishment in Los Angeles,” the petition stated. “Despite informing staff of her life-threatening allergy, she was served a dish containing the allergen. The establishment lacked critical life-saving tools like epinephrine autoinjectors (EpiPens) and trained staff to respond effectively.”
The petition calls on California lawmakers to institute new laws, including: a law that would make EpiPens a mandatory part of the emergency supplies at all restaurants or venues that serve food; a law to require training at these venues to treat allergic reactions; and a law mandating “transparency” and “clear communication” about allergens, for restaurant staff and customers.
As of Monday afternoon, the petition had more than 17,000 signatures.
BoxLunch is currently arranging grief counseling for its team and members of the BoxLunch collective, the company’s ambassador program, according to a representative for the brand. An investigation into the matter has been launched, BoxLunch said.
The representative also noted that during the event, 911 was called immediately, and a DJ made two announcements asking if anyone had an EpiPen.
“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,” the company told KTLA in a statement. “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, an influencer within the Disney community, co-founded Black Girls Do Disney with Mia Von in 2018. The two wanted to create a welcoming community for women of color who love the brand’s films and theme parks. Brown was also known for her fashion content.
Other Disney influencers and fans of Brown’s content reacted to the news on social media over the weekend.
“Thank you for loving everyone unconditionally. Thank you for being so accepting of others. You were the best person and I’m so sad we have to go on without you. I love you forever,” one Instagram user said.
Brown’s brother, Patrick Ramos, shared the news about her passing on her final Instagram post.
“I wanted to take [a] moment to say thank you to her social media fam for showing her so much love and light,” Ramos 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.”
