A devastating incident unfolded at a school in London, UK, where 13-year-old Karanbir Cheema tragically lost his life due to a severe allergic reaction. Karanbir had multiple allergies, including dairy, wheat, gluten, egg, milk, and tree nuts, making him extremely vulnerable to allergens. The fatal reaction occurred when a piece of cheese was thrown at him by a classmate, hitting his neck and triggering a life-threatening response.
Though Karanbir did not ingest the cheese, the mere contact with his skin was enough to cause a severe allergic reaction. Despite being rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital in critical condition, doctors were unable to save his life, and he passed away a few days later. The official cause of death was post-cardiac arrest syndrome.
In a poignant interview on This Morning, Karanbir’s mother, Rina, recounted the heartbreaking moment when they had to say their final goodbyes. After making the agonizing decision to turn off his life-support machine, she shared, “He smiled when the machine was turned off… we said our last goodbyes before he was taken down, and he had a smile on his face.”
Adding to the tragedy, it was discovered that Karanbir’s EpiPen, which could have potentially saved his life, was nearly a year past its expiration date. The outdated EpiPen provided adrenaline—the only treatment available to him—before he went into cardiac arrest.
The classmate who threw the cheese claimed he was unaware of Karanbir’s severe dairy allergy and was simply playing around. While allergic reactions from skin contact are rare, fatal outcomes are even more uncommon. Dr. Adam Fox, a pediatric allergy consultant, noted during the inquest into Karanbir’s death that such an extreme reaction from skin contact was unprecedented, with extensive research failing to uncover similar fatal cases.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical importance of awareness and respect for the allergies of others, especially in school environments where children are particularly vulnerable. It serves as a powerful reminder that parents, teachers, and students must be educated about allergies and the potentially life-threatening consequences they can have. Together, we can work towards creating a safer and more understanding environment for everyone, especially those with allergies.
