Liam Gartland, who had severe allergies to dairy, eggs and peanuts, suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction after eating what was believed to be a vegan ice cream treat
14:53, 03 Jun 2026
View 4 Images
Story from Jam Press (Child Allergic Death)
Pictured: Liam Gartland.
Boy, 8, dies of severe allergic reaction to ice cream treat after telling mum I think this is dairy
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 Childrens 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, Liams 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 NeedToKnow.
He was passionate about his drawings, friends, and he loved his little sister.
Ive 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 Liams death is ongoing.
ENDS
EDITORS NOTES: Non-Exclusive Licence: A non-exclusive licence has been obtained directly from the verified copyright holder. The copyright holder retains the ability to license the content elsewhere.
An eight-year-old boy tragically lost his life after suffering a severe allergic reaction to an ice cream. Liam Gartland went into cardiac arrest after consuming a frozen dessert while enjoying a day out with his family.
The youngster, who had serious allergies to dairy, eggs and peanuts, had been given what was thought to be a vegan dessert. However, shortly afterwards, Liam informed his mum: “I think this is dairy.”
A heartbreaking allergic reaction ensued and emergency services were swiftly called. Liam was hurriedly taken to hospital before being airlifted to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa, Canada.
Despite the tireless efforts of medical teams, the eight year old lad could not be saved. A fundraiser set up while Liam was receiving treatment in hospital revealed that he had suffered a severe anaphylactic reaction and that his heart had stopped for a significant length of time.
In the wake of the tragedy, Liam’s family made the selfless decision to donate his organs to aid other children.
His devastated mother, Julia, has since paid tribute to her son, portraying 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 shared with NeedToKnow.
“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 local community members in Ontario have also paid tribute to Liam, recalling his kindness and warm character.
Article continues below
A probe into the circumstances surrounding Liam’s death is currently underway.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.