Community members advocate for better food allergy protocols in schools.
A devastating lawsuit against Duval County Public Schools follows the death of 17-year-old Kayleen Brown due to a severe allergic reaction. Her father alleges negligence after she consumed baklava containing pistachios, despite being assured it was safe. The lawsuit seeks accountability and urges for improved food allergy safety protocols in schools, highlighting community concerns for student safety.
Jacksonville, Florida – A devastating incident has led to a heartbreaking lawsuit against Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) after a 17-year-old student lost her life due to a severe allergic reaction. The father of Kayleen Brown, a senior from Atlantic Coast High School, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in July 2024, citing negligence on the part of the school district regarding food allergy safety protocols.
On April 30, 2023, during a school activity meeting, Kayleen consumed baklava that contained pistachios, a nut she was highly allergic to. It’s reported that Kayleen had previously asked DCPS employees if the baklava included nuts, and she was assured it did not. Unfortunately, this misinformation led to a tragic turn of events.
After taking a bite of the baklava, Kayleen soon started experiencing alarming symptoms linked to her allergen sensitivity. In a desperate move, she sought help from a school authority, expressing her distress. However, despite her visible symptoms, no action was taken. She was not escorted to the school nurse, nor was there any emergency response initiated, as required by the established safety protocols.
DCPS had in place a Food Allergy Management and Prevention Plan, designed to protect students with food allergies. This plan includes specific training for staff on how to handle allergic reactions and clear instructions stating that students suffering from such symptoms should never be left to exit the campus alone. Tragically, Kayleen was allowed to leave the school to visit a local pharmacy, hoping to acquire Benadryl to alleviate her worsening symptoms.
Upon arrival at the pharmacy, Kayleen collapsed and suffered from anaphylaxis followed by cardiac arrest. Her father, Steven Brown, argues in the lawsuit that Kayleen’s death was a direct consequence of the negligence displayed by the staff at DCPS. They failed to follow established protocols which could have potentially saved her life.
In the wake of this tragedy, the lawsuit seeks at least $50,000 in damages, aiming to hold the school accountable for their actions or lack thereof. Mr. Brown hopes that shedding light on this incident will lead to changes that prevent similar consequences in the future. While DCPS has expressed their condolences, they have chosen not to comment on the specifics of the case due to the ongoing litigation.
This tragic event has not only affected Kayleen’s family but has also raised significant concerns within the community regarding food safety protocols within schools. Parents and students alike are advocating for clearer communication and stricter adherence to safety measures to ensure that every child is protected against food allergies.
The lawsuit will proceed as a jury trial, and further developments are awaited as the community supports the Brown family during this challenging time. It is a stark reminder to all school districts to prioritize safety and wellness among students, particularly those with life-threatening allergies.
As we watch this situation unfold, we remain hopeful that it brings about the necessary changes to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future, ensuring that schools remain a safe environment for all students.
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