Dominique Brown, Disney influencer and co-founder of Black Girl Disney, dies from food allergy at holiday event

Dominique Brown, a 34-year-old Disney influencer from California, passed away after suffering an allergic reaction at a holiday food event in Los Angeles. Brown, known online as HellooDomo, was a beloved figure in the Disney fandom and the co-founder of Black Girl Disney, a platform dedicated to increasing representation for women of color in the Disney influencer space.

The incident occurred at an event hosted by BoxLunch, a retailer that specializes in fandom merchandise. Brown reportedly experienced a medical emergency after unknowingly consuming food she was allergic to, despite the event organizers being informed of her allergy.

“We are devastated by the passing of Dominique Brown, a beloved member of the BoxLunch Collective, who suffered a medical emergency at an event hosted by BoxLunch in Los Angeles,” a BoxLunch representative said in a statement. “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.”

Witnesses to the event said that Brown was immediately attended to by emergency services, and CPR was administered at the scene before paramedics arrived. However, despite efforts to save her, Brown tragically passed away.

The exact cause of her death is still under investigation by authorities. According to reports, Brown’s allergy to a specific food item had been communicated to the event organizers prior to the gathering. However, it is unclear how the allergic reaction occurred or if proper precautions were taken.

Brown’s passing has left her fans and the Disney community heartbroken. Known for her infectious smile and passion for all things Disney, she built a strong and supportive following on social media. Her unique content, which blended Disney nostalgia with personal experiences, resonated with many, especially women of color who felt underrepresented in the Disney fandom.

Dominique’s brother, Patrick Ramos, shared a moving tribute to her on Instagram, reflecting on the outpouring of support from her followers. “I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to her social media fam for showing her so much love and light,” Ramos wrote. “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.”

In 2018, Brown co-founded Black Girl Disney with Mia Von, a platform aimed at fostering greater representation for women of color in the Disney influencer community. The platform sought to create an inclusive and welcoming space for Disney fans, especially women who felt excluded from the predominantly white spaces in the broader Disney fandom.

“Black Girl Disney was not just about creating content; it was about cultivating a community,” Von said. “Dominique’s vision was to give women of color a voice in the Disney world, a space where they could be seen and celebrated. Her passion for creating this platform was unmatched, and her impact on the community will be felt for years to come.”

The platform grew quickly, attracting a following of fans who admired Brown’s dedication to showcasing Disney in a way that was relatable and empowering for people of color. Brown and Von’s work with Black Girl Disney also extended beyond social media, as they worked to build partnerships with Disney and other brands to amplify their message of inclusion and representation.

As news of Brown’s death spread, tributes from her followers and the wider Disney community flooded social media. Many praised her for her positive impact, her advocacy for inclusivity, and her unwavering love for Disney. Brown’s passing is seen as a huge loss not only to her family and friends but also to the thousands of women of color who looked up to her as a trailblazer in the Disney influencer space.

Her death has sparked conversations about food allergies and the importance of heightened awareness at public events, especially when it comes to managing allergies in large gatherings. As the investigation continues, many are calling for more stringent measures to protect individuals with allergies in public spaces.

Dominique Brown’s legacy will continue through the community she helped build, and her contributions to diversifying the Disney fandom will not be forgotten.