College Student Has Fatal Reaction to Brownie She Got From Friend

Hannah Glass, a 19-year-old freshman at Maranatha Baptist University in Wisconsin, died after eating a brownie containing hidden peanut flour. Glass, who had a known peanut allergy, experienced a severe reaction within moments of consuming the treat given to her by a friend. 

Despite quick action from her parents and medical professionals, Glass suffered irreversible brain damage and passed away on November 10, 2024. Her tragic story highlights the dangers of hidden allergens and the importance of food allergy awareness on college campuses.

How Did the Incident Unfold

On November 5, Hannah Glass received a homemade brownie from a friend. Her friend had obtained the treat from a women’s group on campus at Maranatha Baptist University. Unknown to Hannah and her friend, the brownie contained roasted peanut flour, an ingredient used as a gluten-free alternative in baking.

Unaware of the hidden danger, Glass took two bites of the brownie. Her father, David Glass, later recounted, “The second bite, she knew something was wrong.” Hannah’s body quickly began to react to the peanut allergen. She experienced immediate and severe symptoms, including vomiting and the appearance of hives on her skin.

Unlike oily peanut butter, roasted peanut flour can mask its presence in food more efficiently. This factor likely contributed to Hannah’s inability to detect the allergen before consuming the brownie. Using peanut flour as a gluten-free substitute highlighted a dangerous oversight in considering cross-allergen risks when preparing food for diverse dietary needs.

The Rapid Progression

Hannah’s initial symptoms included vomiting and hives. She took Benadryl, which provided temporary relief. Feeling better, Hannah climbed up to her top bunk to rest. However, her condition worsened rapidly.

When Hannah rolled onto her side, she experienced a severe anaphylactic reaction. Her father described it: “She gasped for breath, leading to the collapsing of the lung, further exacerbating the situation.” Hannah attempted to climb down from her bunk but lost consciousness partway down the ladder.

At this point, Hannah’s EpiPen had not been administered. Her father found her unresponsive and carried her outside to wait for the ambulance. David Glass recounted feeling “incredibly helpless” as he held his unconscious daughter.

Hannah’s heart stopped for four minutes before paramedics arrived. They worked tirelessly to revive her, but the lack of oxygen had already caused significant damage to her brain.

Emergency Response 

Hannah’s father, David Glass, acted quickly when he found her unconscious. He carried her outside to await the ambulance, feeling helpless as he held his unresponsive daughter. Paramedics arrived and immediately began CPR, as Hannah’s heart had stopped beating. For four agonizing minutes, they worked to restart her heart.

Her father explained what happened next. “She had thrown up, she had the hives, but some Benadryl had made things better. After a few seconds of laying down, things changed dramatically. In hindsight, it’s at that point the right lung collapsed,” he said

Once stabilized, emergency responders rushed Hannah to Watertown Hospital. However, due to the severity of her condition, doctors decided to transfer her to Froedtert Hospital for more specialized care. At Froedtert, medical staff placed Hannah on a ventilator to support her breathing.

Throughout this ordeal, Hannah’s parents raced from their home in Milton, Wisconsin, covering the 45-minute drive to be by their daughter’s side. They arrived at the hospital, where they faced the grim reality of Hannah’s critical condition.

How Did the Medical Battle Play Out

At Froedtert Hospital, doctors placed Hannah on a ventilator to support her breathing. Despite their efforts, Hannah experienced multiple seizures, leading to severe brain swelling. Her father, David, described the extent of the damage in a Facebook post: “The majority of her brain was unmistakably, seriously, critically, and without the life-sustaining measures in place, TERMINALLY damaged.”

Doctors delivered a grim prognosis to Hannah’s family. They explained that the brain damage was irreversible and extensive. Hannah had no chance of recovery or survival without life support. Her condition left no room for discussions about quality of life – it became a matter of life and death.

Medical professionals fought tirelessly to save Hannah, but the damage from oxygen deprivation during her cardiac arrest proved too severe. Her brain had suffered critical and irreparable harm.

What Happened in Hannah’s Final Days and Aftermath

On November 10, 2024, Hannah’s family said their final goodbyes. Before her passing, Hannah received a traditional “Honor Walk” – a touching tribute as she was taken to the operating room for organ donation. About 300 people lined the hallway, honoring Hannah’s life and her final gift. David Glass described the experience as “an endless walk, yet it was also going too quickly.”

Hannah’s organs saved four lives of people who desperately needed transplants. Her family found comfort in knowing her legacy would live on through others.

On November 22, 2024, David and Janean Glass picked up Hannah’s cremated remains. David shared his mixed emotions on Facebook: “It was and is a strange mix of emotions. There is still a strong sense of disbelief.” He expressed how having a physical memorial brought both comfort and sadness. “It is good to have her home,” he wrote, acknowledging the profound change in their relationship with their daughter.

David reflected on the surreal nature of their loss, grappling with the stark reality of Hannah’s absence. While the urn provided a tangible connection, it also served as a painful reminder of their changed circumstances.

Impact and Legacy 

Hannah’s organ donation saved four lives, extending her impact beyond her tragic passing. Recipients of her organs received a second chance at life, a silver lining in an otherwise heartbreaking situation.

Communities in Wisconsin, particularly in Milton and at Maranatha Baptist University, mourned Hannah’s loss deeply. Friends, classmates, and faculty remembered her as a bright, compassionate young woman with a promising future. 

Support poured in for the Glass family from various corners. Social media posts about Hannah’s story garnered thousands of reactions and comments, with many sharing condolences and memories. Local news coverage helped spread awareness about food allergies and the importance of proper labeling.

Maranatha Baptist University faced questions about its food preparation practices and allergy protocols. Hannah’s story prompted discussions about improving safety measures for students with severe allergies on college campuses nationwide.

Raising Awareness 

In the wake of their daughter’s death, David and Janean Glass have become vocal advocates for food allergy awareness. They urge people with allergies to remain vigilant about what they consume. David emphasized, “Always be aware. Make sure your EpiPens are up to date.”

Hannah’s story highlights the vital importance of having accessible and current EpiPens. While Hannah had an EpiPen, it wasn’t administered in time due to the rapid onset of her symptoms.

Parents of children with allergies are encouraged to:

1. Regularly check EpiPen expiration dates
2. Teach proper EpiPen use to family and friends
3. Ensure EpiPens are easily accessible at all times
4. Advocate for clear food labeling in all settings

Hannah’s tragic case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly allergic reactions can escalate. It underscores the need for widespread education about food allergies and proper emergency response procedures.

 Life Cut Short

Hannah Glass’s story is a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe allergies. Her tragic passing has sparked meaningful conversations about food safety, particularly in communal settings like college campuses. As awareness grows, institutions may implement stricter food preparation and labeling protocols. 

Hannah’s legacy lives on through the lives she saved and the increased vigilance her story has inspired. While her loss is deeply felt, her life’s impact continues to ripple outward, potentially saving others from similar fates. Moving forward, Hannah’s memory can motivate ongoing efforts to improve allergy awareness and emergency response measures in communities nationwide.