One Bite, A Lifetime of Grief: Tragic Death of College Freshman Hannah Glass After Allergic Reaction to Brownie Sparks Nationwide Food Allergy Awareness Movement

In a heartbreaking turn of events that began with what seemed to be a thoughtful gesture, a young college freshman, Hannah Glass, lost her life to a fatal allergic reaction caused by a single bite of a homemade brownie. The devastating incident has left a college campus, a family, and an entire community reeling—and has sparked urgent conversations about food allergy safety and awareness.

A Small Bite with Devastating Consequences

Hannah Glass, 18, was a freshman at Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown, Wisconsin. Known for her warm spirit, deep faith, and academic excellence, Hannah had a well-documented and severe peanut allergy. On November 4, 2024, during what appeared to be a harmless and friendly moment among classmates, Hannah was offered a homemade brownie by a fellow student. The brownie had been baked using roasted peanut flour—a gluten-free alternative the friend had used without realizing the danger it posed.

Tragically, Hannah was unaware of the ingredient. After taking just one bite, she immediately began experiencing symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including vomiting, hives, and difficulty breathing. Hannah was prepared—she administered her EpiPen and took Benadryl, hoping to halt the reaction. For a brief moment, it appeared she might stabilize.

But within minutes, her condition worsened rapidly. She collapsed, and her right lung failed—a rare complication of anaphylaxis. Emergency medical services were called and rushed to the scene. They found Hannah unresponsive and in critical condition, suffering four minutes of cardiac arrest during emergency resuscitation. She was transported first to a local facility and then airlifted to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee.

During the transfer, Hannah endured multiple seizures and extensive brain swelling. Despite the hospital team’s best efforts, doctors later determined that the damage to her brain was irreversible. After five agonizing days on life support, her family made the heart-wrenching decision to let her go.

A Community Mourns

The grief that followed Hannah’s death was profound. Her funeral, held at Calvary Baptist Church in Watertown, drew more than 1,000 mourners. Friends, family, classmates, professors, and church members gathered to celebrate a life that, though short, had been filled with light, service, and purpose. Hannah was remembered not only as an excellent student and a loving daughter but as a kind-hearted soul who consistently put others before herself.

In the days following her death, a GiveSendGo campaign was launched to support her grieving family. The fundraiser surpassed $28,000 in donations, a testament to the many lives Hannah had touched.

A Legacy of Life and Awareness

Though Hannah’s physical presence is gone, her legacy lives on. In an inspiring and generous act, her family chose to donate her organs. That decision saved four lives and brought hope to others in need of a second chance.

Determined to find meaning amid their heartbreak, Hannah’s parents have committed themselves to raising awareness about food allergies. They now speak out about the critical need for education, transparency, and vigilance when it comes to dietary restrictions—especially in shared environments like college campuses and schools.

“We don’t want another family to go through this pain,” her father said in a statement. “All it takes is one mistake, one unnoticed ingredient, to turn kindness into tragedy.”

They encourage families to:

• Always communicate known food allergies clearly with peers and institutions
• Keep EpiPens updated and accessible
• Read labels with care—even on homemade items
• Foster open dialogue around food preparation and safety

A Call to Action

Hannah Glass’s story is a chilling reminder of the real dangers of food allergies and the potentially fatal consequences of even the smallest oversight. But in her passing, she has ignited a movement—one that advocates for greater care, compassion, and understanding.

Her life may have ended too soon, but through organ donation, community action, and growing allergy awareness, Hannah continues to make an impact. Her story serves as both a warning and a beacon: one bite can change everything, but one voice can too.