Family of teen who died after eating baklava settles lawsuit
Share and Follow

Background: Atlantic Coast High School, Jacksonville, Florida (screengrab via First Coast News). Inset: Kayleen Savonn Brown (Quinn Shalz Funeral Home).

The family of a teen girl with a nut allergy who died after eating baklava at school — allegedly after school staff told her the dessert was nut-free — has reportedly reached a settlement with the school district.

Kayleen Brown, 17, attended Atlantic Coast High School in Jacksonville, Florida. She suffered from severe food allergies, including a nut allergy. Despite Kayleen and her family having developed a Food Allergy Management and Prevention Plan in conjunction with the Duval County Public School district (DCPS), school staff did not intervene when Kayleen began suffering a severe allergic reaction.

According to the lawsuit filed by Kayleen’s father, Steven Brown, Kayleen had been attending a school activity meeting in 2023 at which baklava — a sweet pastry that traditionally contains nuts like pistachios or walnuts — was served to students. School staff incorrectly told Kayleen that the food did not contain nuts, and after eating it, Kayleen began to experience allergy symptoms. According to Brown’s filing, Kayleen told school employees that she had eaten nuts and was having a reaction, but they did not follow the agreed-upon protocol by notifying emergency response. Instead, Kayleen left the school grounds and went to a local pharmacy where she obtained Benadryl to treat her symptoms.

While at the pharmacy, Kayleen experienced anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest which led to her death.

The Browns’ lawsuit claimed unspecified damages in excess of $50,000 intended to address medical and funeral expenses, lost income, and the suffering. The family’s attorney, Ted Pina, told press that he worked to get the case scheduled for a quick mediation, which, according to court records, occurred on March 11. At the mediation, the parties reached a settlement. No details have been released as to the terms of the settlement.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Fire Chief & Wife Arrested When Adopted Teen Son Weighs Just 55 Pounds

A district fire chief in a Wyoming county and his wife have…

Oklahoma Attorney Arrested After Allegedly Trying to Kidnap Toddler Who Wasn’t Hers From Daycare

An Oklahoma attorney has been arrested after she entered an Oklahoma City…

Father Sentenced in Tragic Case of Son Found Deceased on Couch

Inset: Joseph Antonsen (Pima County Jail). Background: The residence where Antonsen”s 9-year-old…

Daughter Charged with Murder After Mother Found Stuck to Bed, Says DA

Inset: Tyrossale Peak (Richmond County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The 2900 block of…

Where Is Bryan Kohberger Currently? A Look Inside the High-Security Prison Housing Another Notorious Criminal

Bryan Kohberger, who’s now serving out multiple life sentences for fatally stabbing…

Dispute Over Bed Sheets Escalates to Attempted Murder Charge

Inset: Anaya Durandisse Williams (PCSO). Background: The block in Fort Meade, Florida…

Man Held Baby Over Balcony and Threatened Gun Violence, Police Report

Share copy link Background: Washington Manor apartments can be seen off of…

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Seeks Release on $50 Million Bail Before October Sentencing Hearing

On Tuesday, Sean “Diddy” Combs asked a New York federal court to…