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Tick-Borne Allergy Kills Teen: New Inquest
29 Nov, 2025
Summary
- A 16-year-old boy died after eating sausages, possibly due to a rare tick-induced allergy.
- An inquest will investigate if a mammalian meat allergy contributed to his tragic death.
- The condition is a potentially life-threatening allergy to meats like beef and pork.
The tragic death of 16-year-old Jeremy Webb, who passed away after consuming beef sausages during a camping trip at MacMasters Beach, New South Wales, is now the subject of a new inquest. Initially attributed to asthma, Jeremy's death is being re-examined under the suspicion of a rare mammalian meat allergy, a condition linked to tick bites. His mother believes that repeated tick encounters during his childhood camping trips may have led to this potentially fatal allergy.
This newly suspected allergy, which causes severe reactions to red meats like beef and pork, typically manifests symptoms hours after consumption. The potential link between tick bites and this allergy is a significant focus for health officials and the coroner. If confirmed, Jeremy's case could be the first in Australia where this specific allergy is identified as the cause of death, prompting urgent calls for greater awareness.
The inquest, led by Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes, aims to determine the exact cause of Jeremy's death and may lead to crucial public health advisements regarding tick prevention and symptom monitoring. The findings are expected by the end of the year, with his mother hoping the investigation will save future lives by raising awareness of this dangerous, tick-induced condition.
