In a heartbreaking incident, the death of 17-year-old Kayleen Brown from Jacksonville, Florida, has sparked a wrongful death lawsuit against her school board. The teenager, who had a severe nut allergy, reportedly questioned whether baklava served at an activity meeting contained nuts. Despite her concerns, she was allegedly told it was safe to eat. After consuming the pastry, which did contain pistachio nuts, Kayleen left campus for medication and later suffered cardiac arrest, falling into a coma before passing away on April 30, 2023. Her father, Steven Brown, questions why emergency services were not called and why she was allowed to leave the school grounds.
School's Alleged Mismanagement of Allergy Protocols
The lawsuit filed by Steven Brown accuses Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) of negligence in managing his daughter's severe food allergies. According to the documents, despite Kayleen's inquiry about the presence of nuts in the baklava, she was assured it was safe. Following consumption, she left the premises to obtain Benadryl, but her condition deteriorated rapidly. The suit highlights that no emergency action plan was initiated, nor was medical assistance sought promptly.
Kayleen's case underscores the critical importance of adhering to established allergy management protocols in educational institutions. The DCPS had developed a comprehensive Food Allergy Management and Prevention Plan, which included training staff to recognize allergic reactions and initiate immediate emergency responses. However, the lawsuit claims these guidelines were not followed when Kayleen showed symptoms. The school's failure to act swiftly may have contributed significantly to the tragic outcome. Additionally, allowing a student with known allergies to leave unattended without proper medical attention raises serious questions about the school's commitment to student safety.
Legal and Emotional Fallout from a Preventable Tragedy
Steven Brown's decision to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeks accountability for what he believes is the school's mishandling of his daughter's allergic reaction. The legal action demands damages exceeding $50,000, aiming to address the profound loss and suffering endured by the family. The suit also calls for a jury trial to ensure thorough scrutiny of the events leading to Kayleen's death.
The emotional toll on the Brown family cannot be overstated. In interviews, Steven expresses bewilderment over why emergency services were not summoned immediately and why Kayleen was permitted to leave the school alone. Letters from their legal representatives to the school board in May and June 2023 indicated the family's intention to pursue legal action. Attorney Ted Pina emphasized the severity of such incidents, highlighting that fatalities from allergic reactions are preventable if proper protocols are strictly followed. Meanwhile, DCPS offered condolences but stated they would respond within the context of ongoing litigation, leaving many unanswered questions about the day's events and the school's role in this tragedy.