Dominique Brown has tragically died at the age of 34.
The Disney theme park enthusiast and influencer passed away on Thursday, December 5, after she reportedly suffered an allergic reaction while attending a holiday food event hosted by BoxLunch at Vibiana in Los Angeles.
Brown, known online as HellooDomo, had allegedly consumed food that staff assured her did not contain an ingredient she was allergic to, according to reports from Blast and the Daily Mail.
Witnesses said she “instantly felt bad” and asked to be taken to a hospital.
A reporter for PEOPLE witnessed Brown receiving CPR on-site. Emergency responders were called immediately, but despite efforts to save her, she passed away shortly after.
Dominique – a Long Beach, California resident – was widely known for her passion for Disney and her work in fostering inclusivity within the Disney community.
She co-founded BlackGirlDisney with fellow enthusiast Mia Von, creating a space where women of color could connect over their shared love of Disney movies and theme parks.
Her vibrant personality and infectious love for the brand resonated with her followers, leaving an indelible mark on the online Disney community, as she amassed thousands of followers on social media platforms.
“Thank you Dominique for bringing the Black Girl Disney community together. You are such a light, that anyone can feel through the screen or in person,” one follower commented on her final Instagram post.
Another wrote, “Thank you for creating and holding space for all of Black Disney girls. I hope you know that you are so deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.”
Dominique’s brother, Patrick Ramos, shared an emotional message on her Instagram, thanking her fans for their support during this devastating time.
“Disney did bring her joy, but it was unparalleled that she found a community who loved her and Disney as much as she did,” Ramos wrote. “I will miss my sister and best friend and that infectious smile she always had. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart.”
Her most recent Instagram post, shared on November 27, featured a photo of her attending a special screening of Moana 2. The post’s comments section has since become a tribute space for fans and friends who are mourning her loss.
BoxLunch, the event’s host, released a statement addressing the tragedy.
“We are devastated by the passing of Dominique Brown, a beloved member of the BoxLunch Collective, who suffered a medical emergency at an event hosted by BoxLunch on Thursday in Los Angeles,” the company said in a statement to PEOPLE. “Our hearts go out to her family and friends, and we will do everything we can to support them during this painful time.”
Dominique Brown will be remembered for her boundless energy, her unwavering passion for Disney, and the community she built for others to feel seen and celebrated.
Our thoughts go out to her family, friends, and fans at this heartbreaking time.