Boy, 8, Dies in Front of Devastated Mom at Dairy Queen

A family’s trip to Dairy Queen turned into an unimaginable nightmare after an 8-year-old boy allegedly received the wrong frozen treat and suffered a deadly allergic reaction in front of his mother.

Liam Gartland, of Kingston, Ontario, died two days after going into anaphylaxis following a visit to Dairy Queen on May 18, according to reports. His family says the little boy had severe allergies to dairy, eggs and peanuts, and his mother, Julia Gartland, believed she had ordered him a vegan Dilly Bar.

Within minutes, everything changed.

Julia said Liam had eaten vegan Dilly Bars before without any problems. The coconut cream-based treats are marketed as dairy-free and are sold individually wrapped, a key detail for families trying to protect children with serious food allergies.

On that day, Julia said she even confirmed with staff that the bar was vegan before handing it to her son.

But about five minutes after Liam began eating the treat, he started suffering a severe allergic reaction.

Julia told The Kingston Whig-Standard that when she checked the packaging again, she realized the treat allegedly contained dairy.

The frantic mother immediately called 911 and rushed to get Liam’s epinephrine auto-injector. By the time paramedics arrived, Liam was struggling to breathe. Moments later, he went into cardiac arrest.

The boy was first taken to Kingston General Hospital before being airlifted to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, which has a specialized pediatric trauma unit.

Doctors later told the family Liam had suffered brain damage from oxygen deprivation, according to reports. His mother said the situation became even more devastating when medical staff determined Liam, who had asthma, had also contracted COVID-19, making it even harder for him to breathe.

For two agonizing days, Liam’s family stayed by his side as he fought for his life.

Then came the decision no parent should ever have to make.

After doctors found no brain activity and determined Liam could not breathe on his own, his family made the heartbreaking choice to say goodbye.

Photos shared by the family show Liam’s mother kissing him in his hospital bed and his sister, Evangeline, gently comforting him as he lay fighting for his life.

Dairy Queen issued a statement offering condolences to the Gartland family and said the local store is cooperating with authorities as the investigation continues.

“We are in contact with the store operator, who is cooperating fully with authorities as they continue their investigation. Out of respect for the family and the process, we won’t have any further comment at this time,” the company said in a statement to The Kingston Whig-Standard.

Liam is survived by his parents, Billy and Julia, his sister Evangeline, and a large extended family.

In his obituary, Liam was remembered as a loving boy with a generous heart. His family said he often helped his mother give lunches to people experiencing homelessness.

“He had the kindest heart and always wanted to help others,” the family said.

Even in death, Liam continued helping others. His family made the decision to donate his organs.

“His legacy will live on not only in our memories, but in the lives he helped to save,” the family said. “His family is incredibly proud of their boy.”

A family friend, Kristina Richmond, has launched a GoFundMe to help Liam’s grieving family with expenses following the sudden tragedy.