Star athlete eats Thanksgiving cake; hours later he’s lifeless in his dad’s arms

Oakley loved tennis, football, soccer and was also a marathon runner despite suffering asthma and nut allergies. His family described him as a “brave and strong warrior” in battling these diseases.

On November 24 Oakley decided to enjoy a piece of the pound cake which had been left out on the kitchen table where they were staying in Maine. His mom Merrill Debbs said Oakley always had to check labels before he ate anything and didn’t see any signs of nuts.

“He thought it was just a piece of cake,” said his father, Robert Debbs. “But when he ate it, he come over and said it might have contained nuts.” After his mother tried some, she agreed it had a nut flavor, which was later determined to be walnut.

“Merrill did what we usually do, she gave him Benadryl [pills],” said Robert. “And he came back and said he felt fine.” At that point, his only symptom was a single hive on his lip.

But, shortly after Oakley complained of pains in his chest, then he started vomiting. His parents called 911 but when the ambulance arrived, 10 minutes later, he was blue. Oakley’s airwaves had closed and his heart had stopped beating.

I am writing on behalf of Robert J. Debbs Merrill Debbs and Oakley’s twin sister, Olivia. It is with a heavy heart I…

Posted by Tyler Debbs Squire on Saturday, November 26, 2016

The family then had to come to terms with such a tragic loss and understand why Oakley couldn’t be saved.

“I don’t think my beautiful, amazing, talented, adorable son should have passed away,” said Merrill.

The family started the Red Sneaker Foundation which educates people on recognizing the signs of anaphylaxis, the acute multiorgan life-threatening reaction to allergens.

Related Posts

Sad news about King Charles and Prince Archie confirms that the rumors were true.

King Charles maintains a close relationship with his grandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, but his connection with his U.S.-based grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess…

Heartbreaking Rumors Are True Donnie Wahlberg & Jenny McCarthy Confirms

The Confirmation: Donnie and Jenny released a heartfelt joint statement, acknowledging the end of their romantic relationship while expressing mutual respect and a commitment to maintaining their…

Defying age on her

Justine Bateman, famous for her role in *Family Ties*, is gaining attention for embracing natural aging at 57. She rejects societal pressures to alter her appearance, refusing…

Joe Biden makes surprise comment about Trump’s Gaza peace deal

Joe Biden showered Donald Trump this praise this week after the POTUS’ involvement in the brokering of the peace deal between Israel and Hamas. The humanitarian crisis…

Erika Kirk shares daughter’s heartbreaking birthday message to dad Charlie

It’s been a month since Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University. His widow, Erika Kirk, has taken over his non-profit organization, Talking Point…

20 Minutes ago in California, Jada Pinkett was confirmed as…See more

20 Minutes ago in California, Jada Pinkett was confirmed as stepping into the spotlight with a major announcement that has already taken the entertainment world by storm….