Jess Prinsloo had been living with a severe dairy allergy since she was just nine months old. Despite multiple close calls with dairy, including a resuscitation incident at 18, she tragically passed away just days after getting engaged to her love, Craig McKinnon. The proposal had been a dream come true for the couple, but it quickly turned into a nightmare when she accidentally ingested dairy while stirring her tea. McKinnon had to shift from wedding planning to funeral arrangements in the blink of an eye.
Their Dream Proposal
During their dream holiday in South Africa, McKinnon proposed to Prinsloo at God’s Window viewpoint in Mpumalanga. The moment was meant to be special, filled with tears of joy and love. Shortly after their engagement, tragedy struck when Prinsloo had an allergic reaction to dairy, which ultimately led to her passing.
A Severe Allergic Reaction
McKinnon described the harrowing moments leading up to Prinsloo’s passing, highlighting her struggles with dairy allergies throughout her life. Despite carrying EpiPens with her, they were unable to save her this time. The couple’s friends set up a GoFundMe page to help cover medical bills and funeral expenses, providing a glimpse into the overwhelming loss and the community support that followed.
What is a Dairy Allergy?
A dairy allergy is an immune response to milk products, primarily cow’s milk. It can manifest with a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis. Symptoms can present immediately or hours later, affecting different parts of the body. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Understanding and managing dairy allergies is crucial to prevent tragic outcomes like Jess Prinsloo’s untimely passing.
Sources
- “Bride-to-be, 24, dies days after proposal after using wrong spoon to stir her tea” Wales Online. January 22, 2023.
- “Statement regarding the death of Jess Prinsloo.” Anaphylaxis UK. February 6, 2023
- “Milk Allergy.” Mayo Clinic. June 16, 2022
