College Student Dies After Eating a Brownie Given by a Friend

Hannah Glass’s tragic allergic reaction to a brownie serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with concealed allergens and the necessity for heightened allergy awareness.

What began as a thoughtful gesture turned into a heartbreaking event when Hannah, a freshman at Maranatha Baptist University, suffered a fatal allergic reaction after consuming a brownie. This incident highlights the vital need for vigilance regarding allergies, particularly concerning hidden ingredients.

Hannah had a well-documented allergy to peanuts. On November 4, 2024, a friend from her campus women’s group offered her a brownie made with roasted peanut flour, unaware of the severe consequences it could entail. What was meant to be a gluten-free indulgence quickly transformed into a life-threatening error. “The second bite, she knew something was wrong,” her father, David Glass, recalled.

Following the consumption of the brownie, Hannah exhibited severe allergic reactions, including vomiting and hives. Despite her immediate use of an EpiPen and taking Benadryl, her condition deteriorated rapidly. Within moments, she suffered a collapsed right lung, a rare and severe complication of anaphylaxis, leaving her in a critical state.

When paramedics arrived, they found Hannah in dire condition. During the emergency response, her heart stopped for four minutes. She was swiftly transported to Watertown Hospital and subsequently transferred to Froedtert Hospital for specialized treatment. Unfortunately, Hannah experienced seizures and significant brain swelling, which severely diminished her chances of recovery.

Five days after the incident, her parents faced the heart-wrenching decision to take her off life support. “The majority of her brain was unmistakably, critically, and terminally damaged,” her family expressed in a touching Facebook post. In memory of her, the family opted to donate her organs, ultimately saving four lives.
Hannah’s funeral at Calvary Baptist Church was attended by over 1,000 people who gathered to honor her memory. Renowned for her compassionate nature and commitment to her church and education, her untimely death has created an irreplaceable gap in her community. A fundraiser on GiveSendGo has successfully raised over $28,000 to assist her grieving family.

This heartbreaking event serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with food allergies and the necessity for increased awareness. Hannah’s family has stressed the importance of keeping EpiPens up to date and remaining vigilant about concealed allergens. “Our goal is to spare other families from experiencing this same heartache,” her father remarked.

Hannah’s legacy continues to motivate her community and stands as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of severe allergies. Her life and memory shine as a source of hope and a call for enhanced understanding and preparedness to avert similar tragedies in the future.