Boy’s tragic death from asthma attack leads to life-saving new law
Ryan Gibbons, 12, died when his school kept his inhaler locked away—now, "Ryan’s Law" ensures kids can carry their medication.
When 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons suffered a fatal asthma attack at school in 2012, his inhaler was locked away in the principal’s office. His tragic death led to a powerful movement, resulting in a law that ensures children with asthma have immediate access to their medication.
Ryan Gibbons was like any other energetic 7th grader. He loved motorbikes, hiking, and playing soccer with his friends. But on October 9, 2012, a devastating mistake cost him his life.
While playing soccer at Elgin County School in Ontario, Canada, Ryan suffered a severe asthma attack. He needed his inhaler—his only lifeline in that moment—but it was locked in the school office, far from reach.
Ryan’s friends tried to carry him to the office, desperate to help. But the attack was too severe, and by the time they arrived, it was too late. Ryan collapsed and never regained consciousness.
His death was heartbreaking—and entirely preventable.
The school’s strict policy cost a life
Ryan had been bringing an extra inhaler to school for emergencies. But each time, the school confiscated it. Despite a doctor’s note and his mother’s repeated pleas, school policy required all medication to be stored in the office.
His mother, Sandra Gibbons, recalled her frustration:
“You would give him an inhaler, but then he would get caught with it, and it would be taken away. Then I’d get a phone call. I didn’t realize that the policy actually stated that prescribed medication needed to be in the office.”
Asthma attacks can happen suddenly. Without quick access to medication, they can turn fatal within minutes. Keeping an inhaler locked away defied common sense—yet it was a rule many schools followed.
A mother’s fight for change
Ryan’s death devastated his family, but his mother refused to let it be in vain. She started a petition urging Ontario lawmakers to change the policies that put children like Ryan at risk.
Her efforts gained traction, and soon, a private member’s bill—introduced by Progressive Conservative Jeff Yurek—was passed with unanimous support.
The result was Ryan’s Law (Bill 135), which requires all schools in Ontario to allow children to carry their asthma inhalers with a doctor’s approval.
Sandra Gibbons shared her emotions after the law’s passage:
“I’m definitely overwhelmed, very emotional, very happy it’s going to be implemented.”
The Asthma Society of Canada also applauded the law, with president Dr. Rob Oliphant emphasizing:
“It is essential that children with asthma have ready access to potentially life-saving asthma medications while at school.”
Why Ryan’s Law matters
Every day, more than 10 Americans die from asthma. Many of these deaths are preventable, often caused by delayed treatment during an attack.
Although all U.S. states have laws allowing students to carry inhalers, some schools still enforce blanket anti-drug policies that prohibit access. Ryan’s story serves as a powerful reminder that asthma can be deadly when medication isn’t immediately available.
Ryan’s Law set a precedent, proving that advocacy can drive real change. It’s a lesson in how one heartbreaking loss led to a policy that now protects thousands of children.
Honoring Ryan’s legacy
Ryan Gibbons should still be here today. His life was cut short by a rule that never should have existed. But thanks to his mother’s determination, his story is changing lives.
Let’s honor Ryan by spreading awareness about asthma safety. If you or someone you know has asthma, ensure schools allow access to inhalers at all times.
Share this story to help prevent another tragedy. No child should ever be denied life-saving medication.
