Influencer Dominique Brown is being remembered for her kindness and joy after her sudden death at 34.
“Dominique Brown had an extraordinary gift for touching lives and making everyone she encountered feel truly seen and valued,” fellow creator and friend Andrea Pugh-Kelley, PhD, MPH exclusively told Luxury Handbag Shopping on Monday, December 9. “Dominique was a unique light in the world that deserves to be here today.”
News of Brown’s death spread on Thursday, December 5, after a BoxLunch event where attendees allege she died after unknowingly consuming food to which she was allergic.
In a statement to Luxury Handbag Shopping, BoxLunch confirmed Brown “suffered a medical emergency” at an event in Los Angeles and added, “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.”
Pugh-Kelley said part of the reason she is speaking out is to raise awareness about a petition that supports mandating life-saving food allergy measures at all food establishments.
“This action is not only a tribute to Dominique, but a necessary step toward ensuring no family has to endure such a devastating loss again,” she told Us. “Her family and friends are extremely hurt and deserve to have her here today. Her death was entirely preventable, and it underscores the critical need for accountability and systemic change.”
As a public health professional, Pugh-Kelley said she was “outraged by the lack of food safety at the event.” She also argued that “food allergies are far too often dismissed as an inconvenience when, in reality, they can be a matter of life or death for those who live with them.”
A source previously told Us that 911 was called immediately and the company had previously communicated allergies of guests to the venue.
BoxLunch is offering grief counseling for both staffers and the BoxLunch Collective (the group of influencers they work with regularly, of which Brown was a member). The company is also conducting an independent investigation into the incident.
Pugh-Kelley first met Brown on X (previously named Twitter) in 2019 after she made a comment about Disney World being superior to Disneyland.
Brown, who lived in California, was a Disney-inspired influencer under the screen name HellooDomo. She cocreated BlackGirlDisney in 2018 with Mia Von after noticing a lack of representation in the Disney influencer space, creating a welcoming community for women of color who love the brand’s films and theme parks.
“Dominique cofounded BlackGirlDisney, creating a community of love, representation and joy that has inspired countless other social media groups, creators and communities, leaving a legacy of connection and inclusivity,” Pugh-Kelley shared with Us. “From that initial Twitter exchange, our relationship flourished. Dominique became one of my biggest supporters — not only of my content but also personally, and as a business owner.”
Pugh-Kelley continued, “Her heart was as big as her dreams, and the outpouring of love, admiration and gratitude from thousands of people is a testament to the impact she had on all of us.”
As friends and family continue to mourn Brown’s death, Pugh-Kelley is hoping her community can make a difference by signing a petition for increased food allergy measures.
“My heart and prayers are with her family,” she stated. “Let us honor her legacy by advocating for the change that she deserved.”
With reporting by Travis Cronin
