Two-Year-Old Girl Dies After Choking On Popcorn Kernel

Virginia parents are raising awareness after their two-year-old daughter died from choking on a popcorn kernel.

Mirranda Grace Lawson has passed away after she spent months on life support because she choked on a popcorn kernel, according to WRIC.

In May 2016, the two-year-old burst into the living room of her family’s home in Hanover County, Virginia, unable to breathe. The toddler’s eyes were bulging out of her head and her parents panicked. She had a popcorn kernel lodged deep in her throat. Her father, Patrick Lawson, attempted to perform CPR on her, but by the time paramedics arrived, her heart had stopped. She was rushed to the hospital.

At VCU Medical Center, doctors were able to resuscitate Mirranda, but soon informed her parents that their daughter had suffered irreparable brain damage.

Mirranda was placed on a ventilator for two months, showing little signs of improvement, according to Good Housekeeping. Her doctors then told her parents that they wanted to perform a brain death test, which would have required the vent to be removed briefly to see if Mirranda could breathe on her own. Her parents refused, however, and sued the hospital.

“She’s not acting like someone who is brain dead,” Patrick Lawson said.

On November 1, 2016, Mirranda passed away after her kidneys failed. The case was not settled.

VCU Medical Center released a statement following the toddler’s death, which reads, “We extend our deepest sympathies to the Lawson family as they grieve Mirranda Grace’s death. During the several months Mirranda was at our hospital, we saw the Lawson’s enduring love and support of their daughter in dealing with the tragedy. Mirranda’s medical team demonstrated the highest-levels of quality and compassionate care for her and her family. Our thoughts and best hopes remain with the Lawsons.”

On a GoFundMe page started by a relative, Mirranda’s family wrote about the dangers of children ingesting foods that can be a choking hazard.

“This was all caused by a piece of popcorn,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Please share the danger of popcorn, someone may not know.”

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, choking is a leading cause of death for children under the age of three. The organization states that popcorn, grapes, and hot dogs are among the most common foods that cause children to choke. The AAP suggests that children do not eat those foods until the age of five.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that parents speak to childcare professionals about the appropriate ages to introduce certain foods to children. They also suggest that parents not let their children walk or run while eating. Foods should also be cut up into chewable pieces. 

Sources: WRIC, Good Housekeeping / Photo Credit: WRIC