Boy, 6, dies in street after suspected allergy attack

Published on Friday 19 December 2008 20:46

A SCHOOLBOY collapsed and died in the street after suffering a suspected allergic reaction while out walking with his grandmother and sister.

Brodie Williams, from Kingskettle, in Fife, slumped to the ground in Methil on Wednesday afternoon.

Paramedics rushed to the scene, but were unable to save the six-year-old, a pupil at Methilhill Primary School.

Officers at Fife Police said the cause of Brodie's "sudden and unexplained" death was "medically related".

His parents, Clive and Heather, who run an optician's in Kirkcaldy, yesterday paid tribute to their "happy wee boy".

In a statement, the boy's family said: "Brodie loved making everyone laugh and playing with his trains.

"He attended Methilhill Primary School with his big sister, Sophie, aged eight.

"He was adored by his mum, Heather, dad, Cliff, sister, Sophie, his grandparents and all his other relatives."

A neighbour of the family said: "Everyone around here will be thinking of them at this time. It's a mystery what caused such a bad reaction to cause him to drop dead. I was shocked when I heard. He was a very bright and active boy."

The headteacher at Brodie's school revealed that plans for some form of tribute were already being considered.

Charles Small said: "At the moment we are all just so shocked at this tragedy that it's difficult to know what to say.

"We've had the difficult job of breaking the news to the children and we are working with them to try to help them cope with the news.

"Brodie was a lovely little boy who will be missed by everyone who knew him and our thoughts are with his family right now.

"We need some more time to consider how best we will pay tribute to Brodie in the future."

It is understood the youngster had a history of allergy problems, which have been linked to his death.

Earlier this year a 14-year-old boy died in Wales after suffering a suspected allergic reaction to acne medication.

Allergies are believed to affect about one in four people in the UK at some time in their lives. The number of people affected increases each year, with some experts blaming rising pollution levels.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to a food or other allergen, with symptoms including raised blood pressure, breathing difficulties and swelling of the tongue. Among the most common allergens are pollen, dust mites, fish, dairy products and nuts.

People who suffer serious allergies are urged to carry an auto-injection kit of adrenaline at all times in case they suffer a serious reaction as well as some kind of identification showing they have an allergy.

A spokeswoman for Fife Police said: "Brodie's grandmother looked after him sometimes and they were out walking.

"His death is a medically related matter, although the post mortem examination is yet to take place and we cannot yet confirm the exact cause."