In a tragic incident that has led to legal action, the father of Kayleen Brown, an Atlantic Coast High School student, is suing Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) following her death due to an allergic reaction. Brown, a 17-year-old senior, suffered a fatal reaction after consuming baklava at a school event, which she was assured did not contain nuts.
On April 27, 2023, Kayleen Brown attended a school meeting where food was served, including baklava. Unaware of its ingredients, Brown inquired whether the dessert contained nuts. Despite her severe allergy being well-known to school staff, she was mistakenly informed that the baklava was nut-free. Upon consuming the dessert, she suffered a severe allergic reaction when she discovered it contained pistachios.
As her symptoms progressed, Brown informed a school employee about her allergy and the onset of symptoms. Instead of immediate medical intervention, Brown left the school to purchase Benadryl from a local pharmacy. Unfortunately, her condition worsened rapidly. While at the pharmacy, Brown experienced anaphylaxis, leading to cardiac arrest. She was in a coma until her death on April 30, 2023.
The lawsuit, filed in July 2024, accuses DCPS of negligence, asserting that the school failed to adhere to its established Food Allergy Management and Prevention Plan. This plan mandates staff training in recognizing allergic reactions, administering epinephrine, and activating emergency response procedures. Critically, the plan instructs that students experiencing allergic reactions should not seek medical help unaccompanied.
Brown’s father is seeking a minimum of $50,000 in damages, arguing that the failure to follow these protocols was a direct cause of her death. The lawsuit highlights that despite the knowledge of her allergies, the school environment did not provide the necessary precautions to prevent such a tragic outcome. The legal complaint also calls for a jury trial to address the alleged lapses in duty of care by DCPS.
The lawsuit underscores the vital importance of strict adherence to established safety protocols, especially when handling known food allergies. This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of negligence in safeguarding student health. Duval County Public Schools have yet to respond to these serious allegations, leaving the community awaiting their statement.
Source: News4jax
