Andrea Mariano: Canadian university student dies of severe allergic reaction

Flags at Queen’s University are at half-mast for a student who died after experiencing an anaphylactic allergic reaction.

Andrea Mariano, from Thornhill, Ont., was rushed to Kingston General Hospital where she was pronounced dead on Friday. She had recently started school as a first-year student in the Faculty of Arts and Science.

“Andrea’s family has indicated that cause of death was related to an anaphylaxis allergic reaction,” said a statement from Queen’s University.

Visitations will take place at Fratelli Vescio Funeral Home, 8101 Weston Rd. in Woodbridge, on Thursday, Sept. 24 from 2 to 4 and again from 6 to 9 p.m., and Friday, Sept. 25 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m.

The funeral service will be held at St. Joseph the Worker, 191 Wade Gate, Concord, this Saturday, Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. Internment will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 8361 Yonge St.in Thornhill.

Mariano’s specific allergy has not been released publicly, but according to magazine Allergic Living she was allergic to peanuts.

Social media comments from friends at St. Elizabeth Catholic High School, where she graduated, are pouring in.

The family is asking that donations in memory of Andrea be made to the World Wildlife Fund.

Agencies/Canadajournal