Patrick Maxeiner (DOD: 1/06/2000)

Patrick Maxeiner was just shy of his 25th birthday in January of 2000.  At 24 years old, he was 6 months into pursuing a combined masters/PhD at the University of Michigan and already a published author of a scientific paper (see link below), a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, a Big Brother and on the University's Bass Fishing Team.  May of 1999 marked his graduation from the University of Arizona in biochemistry and pharmacology.  With a known peanut allergy, he was incredibly careful, an avid label reader.  This lean guy, who was described as one who 'ate to live', likely perished from cross-contamination of a frozen dinner produced by a company that ran 2 lines - one that made peanut containing food and one that did not. 

His friend and neighbor recalled the smell of cooking coming from Patrick's apartment around 11p or 12a.  This late night meal was fairly typical for him.  Next, the neighbor heard EMS breaking through his door at 5:30a or 6a.  Likely sensing a reaction, Patrick had tried a few 'home remedies' including Benadryl.  He had suffered intense vomiting.  Patrick had called EMS in the early morning hours requesting help for an allergic reaction.  Upon arrival, he was breathing but it was described as labored.  EMS was able to obtain an airway but it was difficult and Patrick perished 3 days later. 

He had a known peanut allergy.  In the past, with an accidental ingestion, he had wheezing and intense vomiting.  He was under the care of an allergist but he and his family were not told to carry an epinephrine auto-injector to their knowledge.  He was able to eat almonds with tolerance.  Patrick had asthma and allergic rhinitis, which was notably better while he studied in Arizona.  He had been through allergy shots.  Patrick had been admitted to a hospital in the past for asthma but never for food allergies.   

Patrick was a guy who loved fishing and golf.  After graduation from the University of Arizona, he and friend 'fished' there way back to the mid-west.  He was described as 'amazing'.