Dancer Órla Baxendale Died From Eating A Mislabeled Cookie

Órla Baxendale, a 25-year-old New York dancer, died unexpectedly due to anaphylactic shock caused by eating a mislabeled cookie containing peanuts, according to her lawyer.

According to her legal team, Baxendale died as a result of “an unfortunate incident” after eating a cookie containing undeclared peanuts. The mislabeling was described as a “tragic oversight.”

Following her death, grocery chain Stew Leonard’s recalled around 500 Vanilla Florentine Cookie packets distributed from November 6 to December 31 in Danbury and Newington, Conn., according to the Associated Press.

According to the dancer’s lawyer, the medical issue was caused by “gross negligence and reckless conduct,” as the maker or seller allegedly “failed to properly identify the contents of the cookie on the packaging.”

Stew Leonard’s CEO, Stew Leonard Jr., expressed his dismay at the occurrence, stating that the supplier changed the formula from soy nuts to peanuts without informing them. However, the manufacturer, Cookies United, stated that it had alerted Stew Leonard’s of the ingredient change some months ago.

“Unfortunately, considering the tragedy of these circumstances, we need to point out that Stew Leonard’s was notified by Cookies United in July of 2023 that this product now contains peanuts and all products shipped to them have been labeled accordingly,” the company stated in a press release issued on Jan. 23. “This product is offered under the Stew Leonard’s trademark and repackaged at their facility. “Stew Leonard’s created and applied the incorrect label to their product.”

Following the incident, Baxendale’s lawyer expressed sympathy to her family.

“They have been overwhelmed and comforted by the outpouring of love, support, and tributes from around the world,” the statement said. “Órla’s vibrant spirit and her relentless pursuit of excellence in her art have left an indelible mark on all who knew her.”

According to her lawyer, “Her sudden loss is not only a personal tragedy for her family and friends but also a significant loss to the artistic community.”

Baxendale was born in East Lancashire, United Kingdom, and later came to New York to pursue a career as a professional dancer, actor, and model. She got representation from Go 2 Talent Agency, which paid homage to the little star on Instagram on January 15.

“We will always cherish her effortless talents, her beaming spirit, and her exceptionally kind heart,” the letter stated. “You will never be forgotten, rest in peace dear Orla.”

In September, Baxendale embarked on her maiden tour with Momix, a dance illusionist ensemble.

She also got roles with the Steps on Broadway team, which hailed her as a “beautiful dancer” and “avid dreamer” in an Instagram tribute, and The Ride NYC, an experience theatrical group that plays on New York’s streets.

On Instagram, The Ride described her as “a cherished member of our team and a wonderfully talented dancer,” adding, “As we mourn her loss, let us also celebrate the joy she brought to our lives.”