Social media community members are mourning the tragic loss of 34-year-old Disney influencer Dominique Brown, who passed away Dec. 5 after reportedly suffering an allergic reaction at an industry event, according to Us Weekly.
Source: Jesse Grant / Getty
On Thursday, Brown was attending an event hosted by BoxLunch, a pop-culture-themed retail company, when she unknowingly consumed something that triggered an allergic reaction, according to social media users. However, an official statement on the manner of her death has not been published.
As reported by the Guardian, one user on X, known as @hideyagrannies, who claimed to have known Brown for nearly a decade through their mother, stated that Brown had been assured there were no peanuts in the food served at the event. However, shortly after eating, she began feeling unwell. She reportedly asked to be taken to a hospital but tragically passed away shortly thereafter.
An investigation into the cause of Brown’s death is currently underway.
BoxLunch released a statement to Us Weekly confirming that Brown had passed away after experiencing “a medical emergency,” but they did not mention an allergic reaction in their letter. The company said it was “devastated” by the news and that they were conducting an independent investigation into the case. A source also revealed to the outlet that emergency services were contacted right away after Brown fell ill, and that the company had previously informed the venue of attendees’ allergies.
“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,” the company’s statement read.
Who was Dominique Brown?
In 2018, Brown, a California resident, co-founded Black Girl Disney alongside her close friend Mia Von, an organization dedicated to promoting diversity and representation of Black women in the Disney influencer community. The inclusive group’s Instagram page highlights influential Black women in the social media space enjoying Disney Parks and wearing Disney-inspired regalia. They also sell products featuring beloved Disney characters, such as the Blue Magic Mickey Pick Du-rag along with Disney-themed bonnets.
“Like Most things that lack representation, new platforms are created out of a necessity to see yourself. We wanted to create a space where we were not only represented, but CENTERED!,” the Black Girl Disney website states.
Brown, who went by @HellooDomo on Instagram, shared her final post Dec. 5—a video in which she wore a Winnie the Pooh hat and a cardigan from BoxLunch. Fans and celebrities alike flooded her comments section, offering their condolences and paying tribute to the beloved influencer.
Actress Yvette Nicole Brown penned, “So sorry to hear of her passing.”
Travel and lifestyle influencer Rodney Burns-Taylor wrote, “I have tried to write this message 7 times…I can’t even imagine a world without you… I love you so much Domo.”
Disney superfan Alexis Trotter commented, “I’ve just been sitting here thinking of what to say because I can’t process that you aren’t here. Thank you for creating and holding space for all of Black Disney girls. I hope you know that you are so deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. Love you so so much.”
Disney food content creator Gabrielle Williams added, “I truly cannot believe this. I’m so heartbroken right now. I’m so sorry, Domo. I’m gonna miss you so much!! Love you, angel.”
Brown’s brother, Patrick Ramos, also expressed his gratitude in the comments section under the Instagram post, thanking everyone for their kind words and support.
“I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to her social media fam for showing her so much love and light,” he penned. “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.”
MadameNoire sends love and light to Dominique Brown’s family during this difficult time.
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