A British ballet dancer living in New York has tragically died after eating a cookie that did not have nuts listed on the label, causing an allergic reaction. Orla Baxendale, 25, who always checked food packaging due to her severe peanut allergy, purchased the cookie from a grocery store in Connecticut earlier this month. Despite her vigilance and the use of her EpiPen, the allergy was too severe to be countered. The grocery store has since recalled the batch of Vanilla Florentine Cookies.
Baxendale, originally from East Lancashire, England, moved to New York to pursue her dance career. Her family remembers her as an “exquisite ballet, contemporary, and Irish step dancer” who embodied enthusiasm, strength, and beauty. Her death is a heartbreaking tragedy, prompting officials to work together to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Upon moving to New York from East Lancashire, England, to pursue her dance career, Baxendale carefully checked the ingredient listings on food products due to her severe peanut allergy. After purchasing a cookie from a Connecticut grocery store, she experienced a severe allergic reaction despite using her EpiPen. The grocery store has since issued a recall of the cookies. The tragic death has moved officials to work together to prevent future similar incidents from happening. The family of Baxendale is devastated by her shocking and unimaginable loss.
