Dominique Brown, a 34-year-old Disney influencer and co-founder of Black Girl Disney, died on December 5, 2024 after suffering a severe allergic reaction at a BoxLunch holiday food event in downtown Los Angeles, California.
Brown, known online as HellooDomo, had explicitly informed event staff about her life-threatening peanut allergy. Despite assurances that the food was safe, she experienced an immediate adverse reaction upon consumption. Witnesses reported that Brown requested urgent medical attention, but initial responses were delayed as some attendees prioritized taking photographs over assisting her. CPR was eventually administered, and emergency responders were called, but Brown did not survive.
The shocking death has ignited a firestorm of outrage across social media, with users decrying what many see as egregious negligence on the part of event organizers. “This is horrific and devastating,” wrote one user on X. “A Black woman influencer, Dominique Brown, goes to an influencer event hosted by BoxLunch and dies from a food allergy even though she notified staff of her allergens. How could this happen?!!” Another attendee lambasted the company’s handling of the aftermath, stating, “These are THE most insensitive brand emails I’ve ever received, and going forward I WILL NOT be working with BoxLunch anymore.” Fans, fellow influencers, and advocates have rallied around Brown’s legacy, demanding justice and calling for stricter safety protocols at public events, such as mandatory ingredient labeling and allergy training for staff.
BoxLunch, a pop culture-themed retail merchandiser, stated they had informed the venue about guests’ food allergies before the event. The company expressed devastation over Brown’s passing and announced they would offer grief counseling to staff and members of the BoxLunch Collective, of which Brown was a member. An independent investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Fellow Disney influencer Matt Desmond reported that “the food was allegedly not properly marked with its ingredients,” underscoring concerns about the event’s safety protocols.
Dominique Brown co-founded Black Girl Disney in 2018 alongside influencer Mia Von to create a more inclusive environment for women of color who are Disney fans. Her efforts were instrumental in diversifying the Disney influencer community and providing representation for marginalized groups.
Her brother, Patrick Ramos, expressed gratitude for the support from Brown’s social media community, stating that Disney brought her immense joy and that she found a community that shared her passion.
This tragedy marks the second reported allergic reaction-related fatality at a Disney-related event, following the 2023 death of NYU Langone Dr. Kanokporn Tangsuan at a restaurant in Disney Springs.