An eight-year-old boy died after suffering a severe allergic reaction to an ice cream treat that allegedly contained dairy.
Liam Gartland went into cardiac arrest after eating a frozen dessert while out with his family.
The youngster, who had severe allergies to dairy, eggs and peanuts, had been given what was believed to be a vegan dessert.
But moments later, Liam told his mum he thought it contained dairy.
A devastating allergic reaction followed and emergency services were called.
Liam was rushed to hospital before being airlifted to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa, Canada.
Despite the efforts of medical teams, the eight-year-old boy could not be saved.
A fundraiser launched while Liam was being treated in hospital said he had suffered a serious anaphylactic reaction and that his heart had stopped for a significant period of time.
Following the tragedy, Liam’s family made the decision to donate his organs to help other children.
His heartbroken mother, Julia, has since paid tribute to her son, describing him as a caring and compassionate child who always looked out for others.
“I would just like to say that Liam was such a funny, creative, empathetic and artistic boy,” she told Need To Know.
“He was passionate about his drawings, friends, and he loved his little sister.
“I’ve had some mothers reach out and tell me how he was such a good friend with an old soul.”
“He was a ‘collector of misfit friends’, they said.
“He welcomed everyone.”
Friends, family and members of the local community in Ontario have also shared tributes to the youngster, remembering his kindness and warm personality.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Liam’s death is ongoing.
