Student’s first date that ended in tragedy explained.
Alison Pickering, a vibrant 23-year-old college student, tragically died after a first date meal just days before her graduation.
Alison’s peanut allergy explained.
Alison’s peanut allergy had been a known part of her life since she was a toddler, her parents shared.
Her mother, Joy, recalled when a preschool snack triggered hives, leading to the discovery of her life-threatening allergy.
“She told me, ‘A friend gave me a chocolate Jif sandwich,’ and I knew right away,” Joy recounted.
From then on, Alison’s parents ensured she avoided anything that could contain peanuts.
“She was so careful. She wouldn’t even eat cookies unless I baked them,” Joy said.
Alison’s vigilance made her sudden death even more devastating to those who knew her.
Alison’s fatal meal explained.
Alison, who had a severe peanut allergy, had eaten at the restaurant before and confidently ordered a dish she trusted.
The dish, mahi-mahi, had been modified to include a peanut sauce—information the restaurant staff allegedly didn’t share.
After taking a few bites, Alison felt her throat tighten, recognizing the all-too-familiar signs of an allergic reaction.
She immediately used her EpiPen, a device she had carried for emergencies since childhood.
Despite her quick action, Alison’s condition worsened rapidly as she was rushed to the hospital.
She managed to walk to the ambulance, speaking with paramedics, but her condition deteriorated en route.
Alison was pronounced dead at the hospital, a devastating blow just days before her graduation from Tarleton State University in Texas.
“It’s tragic and doesn’t need to happen to anyone else,” her father, Grover Pickering, said through tears.
Alison’s death questioned.
On the night of her first date, Alison chose Newton’s Saddlerack, a restaurant she trusted and frequented.
The mahi-mahi dish she ordered had never caused her issues in the past, so she felt safe choosing it again.
However, the recipe had been recently updated to include peanut sauce—a change no one informed Alison about.
Alison’s parents’ accusations unveiled.
Her parents say this oversight is what caused Alison’s fatal reaction that night.
Her family claims the restaurant failed to disclose a critical ingredient change that ultimately cost Alison her life.
Joy and Grover are now campaigning for stricter allergy safety measures in restaurants.
“Disclosing known allergens like peanuts costs nothing but can save lives,” Joy wrote in an emotional Facebook post.
They believe restaurants should have allergen labels, much like those found on grocery store packaging.
Efforts to protect those with allergies exposed.
Texas has already passed the Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act, requiring better training for kitchen staff.
The Pickerings are pushing for even stricter measures to protect customers like Alison.
Restaurant owner Mike Newton disputes the family’s claims that staff were unaware of the menu change.
Newton declined to provide details, citing pending litigation, but insisted his team follows strict safety guidelines.
The Pickerings’ hopes unveiled.
Meanwhile, the Pickerings hope their advocacy will prevent similar tragedies for other families.
“I know we’re going to save lives by sharing Alison’s story,” Joy said with determination.
They’ve partnered with the Texas Restaurant Association to advocate for clearer communication about allergens.
Alison’s death is a heart-wrenching reminder of the dangers allergy sufferers face in the restaurant industry.
As her family fights for change, they hope Alison’s story will leave a legacy of safety and awareness.