8-Year-Old Dies After Consuming Strawberries Purchased From School Fundraiser – News18

In Kentucky, US, authorities are investigating the tragic demise of an 8-year-old boy who passed away after consuming strawberries. The incident happened in Madisonville, where the family informed police officials after they found the boy unresponsive and struggling to breathe. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the family had taken the child to the emergency room. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, the boy couldn’t survive and he was declared dead shortly after reaching the hospital. According to reports from 14 News, the parents revealed that their son had eaten strawberries bought from a school fundraiser event the previous night. Later, medical professionals at the hospital disclosed that others were also treated after consuming strawberries from the same event.

As the matter escalated, the local health department issued a warning and urged people to refrain from consuming strawberries purchased from Madisonville North Hopkins High School and Hopkins County Central High School fundraiser event.

The boy’s family recounted that the issues began from Thursday night after he ate several strawberries. Later, he showed signs of an allergic reaction and rashes started appearing on his body. The family then decided to give him Benadryl, bathed him and put him to bed. However, when the symptoms continued, they took him to the hospital at around 10:30 PM, left the emergency room at 1:24 AM and returned home, where the 8-year-old changed clothes and went to bed. The following morning, the family found him unresponsive and immediately rushed him to the hospital, where he was declared dead. As of now, the final report is pending.

Mayor Jason McKnight from Madisonville Police Department told the portal, “As of right now we have no reason to believe that fentanyl or any other type of narcotic is involved in this. As much as everyone is worried about strawberries and their children eating these things, if they’re safe, but a family has lost someone important to them, so they’re in a lot of pain right now so just give them a little space.”

In response to the incident, schools have been instructed to throw away any strawberries. Officials claim that the strawberries were sourced from Southern Grown and Sizemore Farms and distributed by Juicy Fruit LLC. Local hospitals are receiving numerous calls and visits from individuals who have eaten the allergic strawberries. In the advisory issued, people have been urged to consult a doctor even if they don’t feel sick or symptoms are mild. Meanwhile, the health department has assured the public that they will provide updates as more information becomes available.