Current:Home > MarketsDancer Órla Baxendale’s Final Moments Revealed Before Eating Cookie That Killed Her -FutureWise Finance
Dancer Órla Baxendale’s Final Moments Revealed Before Eating Cookie That Killed Her
View
Date:2025-04-16 05:37:04
New details are emerging about Órla Baxendale's final moments.
The New York dancer, who died Jan. 11 at age 25, took precautions to prevent her death, according to her family attorney.
At a social gathering earlier this month, Baxendale went into anaphylactic shock due to a severe allergic reaction from eating a cookie that contained peanuts—although the label did not disclose the ingredient, her lawyer said.
"Because Orla was so vigilant and so careful with everything she touched, she actually Googled 'soy nut,' which is on the package," her attorney Marijo Adimey told ABC News, "wanting to make sure that a soy nut wasn't a nut." (Soy nuts are soybeans, not tree nuts.)
After she took a bite of Stew Leonard's Vanilla Florentine Cookie, Baxendale began having a reaction. Her friends rushed her to the hospital and used her EpiPen, per the outlet, but she sadly didn't make it.
Stew Leonard Jr.—the CEO of the supermarket chain that sold the desserts—said they were not informed that the supplier had changed the recipe from soy nuts to peanuts.
In response, the manufacturer Cookies United publicly shared a note the company allegedly sent out months prior, informing vendors they were adding peanuts as an ingredient in the holiday cookies.
"Unfortunately, considering the tragedy of these circumstances, we need to point out that Stew Leonard's was notified by Cookies United in July of 2023 that this product now contains peanuts and all products shipped to them have been labeled accordingly," Cookies United said in a Jan. 23 press release. "This product is sold under the Stew Leonard's brand and repackaged at their facilities. The incorrect label was created by, and applied to, their product by Stew Leonard's."
The supermarket recalled mislabeled cookies that had been sold from Nov. 6 to Dec. 31 at their stores in Danbury and Newington, Conn.
Baxendale's family has not spoken out about the incident, but have been communicating their grief through their lawyer.
"They're too distraught to speak," Adimey added. "They want this story out so it doesn't happen again."
Baxendale, a U.K. native, is being remembered by the dance community for her lively personality and talent for performing.
"For someone to leave us so young and so soon at the height of career is a tragedy," her dance instructor Guillermo Asca told ABC. "She was vibrant, dynamic, kooky, someone who didn't take herself seriously but took work seriously."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (26477)
Related
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Dalvin Cook says he's 'frustrated' with role in Jets, trade rumors 'might be a good thing'
- Prominent British lawmaker Crispin Blunt reveals he was arrested in connection with rape allegation
- Lionel Messi is a finalist for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- US strikes Iran-linked sites in Syria in retaliation for attacks on US troops
- DC pandas will be returning to China in mid-November, weeks earlier than expected
- Inflation is driving up gift prices. Here's how to avoid overspending this holiday.
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater Break Silence on Romance Rumors After Kyle Richards' Criticism
Ranking
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- 5 people found shot to death in North Carolina home: This is not normal for our community
- Residents shelter in place as manhunt intensifies following Lewiston, Maine, mass shooting
- Patrick Dempsey Speaks Out on Mass Shooting in His Hometown of Lewiston, Maine
- New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
- Powerball winning numbers from Oct. 25 drawing: Jackpot now at $125 million
- General Motors and Stellantis in talks with United Auto Workers to reach deals that mirror Ford’s
- State Department struggles to explain why American citizens still can’t exit Gaza
Recommendation
Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
The Golden Bachelor Just Delivered 3 Heartbreaking Exits and We Are Not OK
AP Week in Pictures: North America
GDP surged 4.9% in the third quarter, defying the Fed's rate hikes
Intellectuals vs. The Internet
Georgia deputy injured in Douglas County shooting released from hospital
GDP surged 4.9% in the third quarter, defying the Fed's rate hikes
Augusta National not changing Masters qualifying criteria for LIV golfers in 2024