Star athlete eats Thanksgiving cake; hours later he’s lifeless in his dad’s arms
During a Thanksgiving vacation in Maine, 11-year-old Oakley Debbs, a straight-A student and star athlete from West Palm Beach, Florida, tragically suffered a severe allergic reaction after consuming a piece of cake from a Thanksgiving basket.
Despite being asthmatic and having food allergies, Oakley was known for his bravery and athleticism, participating in tennis, football, soccer, and even marathon running.
On November 24, Oakley innocently ate the cake, unaware that it contained nuts. Initially, he showed only minor symptoms, prompting his mother to administer Benadryl.
However, his condition quickly deteriorated, with chest pains and vomiting leading to cardiac arrest by the time emergency services arrived.
Despite their efforts, Oakley couldn’t be saved, leaving his family devastated. In response to their loss, they established the Red Sneaker Foundation to raise awareness about anaphylaxis and food allergies, using Oakley’s beloved red sneakers as a symbol.
Reflecting on Oakley’s legacy, his mother, Merrill, expressed a profound determination to honor his memory by advocating for greater education and awareness surrounding food allergies.
Oakley’s untimely passing has left an indelible mark, inspiring his family to continue his mission of making a difference in the lives of others.
