Disney-centric influencer Dominique Brown has died after allegedly having a severe allergic reaction during a brand event in Los Angeles.
The 34-year-old, known for helping foster a huge online community celebrating Disney culture, died on Thursday evening at a gathering hosted by the pop culture merchandise retailer BoxLunch, according to Sky News’ US partner NBC News.
Emergency services were called to the event at Vibiana, cathedral-turned-event venue in downtown LA, after the DJ turned off the music to announce a medical issue and asked guests for an EpiPen, NBC News said.
Boxlunch and Vibiana said they were conducting independent investigations.
Ms Brown was the co-creator of Black Girl Disney, a space for fellow Black Disney influencers seeking community in a predominantly white niche.
The Black Girl Disney account, which she launched with fellow creator Mia Von, has more than 20,000 followers, while Ms Brown’s personal account has more than 21,000.
It was from there that she often posted updates from the theme parks and red carpets for Disney films.
In Ms Brown’s final Instagram post, she is seen enthusiastically showing off a Winnie the Pooh hat while wearing a cardigan from BoxLunch.
“I’m just here to say, get the obnoxious plush hat,” she wrote.
Ms Brown’s brother, Patrick Ramos, commented on her last post, thanking “her social media fam for showing her so much love and light.”
“Disney did bring her joy, but it was unparalleled that she found a community who loved her and Disney as much as she did,” Mr Ramos wrote. “I will miss my sister and best friend and that infectious smile she always had.”
BoxLunch said it is “devastated” by Ms Brown’s death, calling her a “beloved member” of BoxLunch Collective, its brand ambassador programme.
“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,” BoxLunch said in a statement.
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Vibiana wrote in a statement that the team’s “hearts and deepest sympathy go out to the family and loved ones of Dominique Brown during this heartbreaking time”.
“As we await further, more conclusive information about this tragic incident, we remain fully committed to our ongoing and comprehensive internal review and to collaborating closely with all parties involved to understand the circumstances surrounding this devastating loss,” a spokesperson for the venue wrote.
Fellow creators have paid tribute to Ms Brown online, as has actress Anika Noni Rose, who voiced Princess Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog.
She called Ms Brown a “beautiful spirit” and shared a link to a Change.org petition that “mandates life-saving food allergy measures at all food establishments”.
