The Tragic Story of Ryan Gibbons: How a Preventable Asthma Attack Led to Lifesaving Change

Asthma can be deadly—even for children. That reality was painfully underscored by the tragic and entirely preventable death of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons, a Canadian boy whose life ended far too soon because he didn’t have access to his inhaler when he needed it most.

Ryan was an energetic seventh grader who loved dirt biking and hiking in the woods. But on October 9, 2012, he suffered a fatal asthma attack while playing football at school. The worst part? His inhaler—the medication that could’ve saved his life—was locked in the school office, out of reach when seconds counted.

A Deadly Policy

Despite having a doctor’s note, Ryan wasn’t allowed to keep an inhaler with him. His school, Elgin County School in Ontario, had a strict policy: inhalers had to be stored in the principal’s office. His mother, Sandra Gibbons, says she tried multiple times to get the school to allow Ryan to carry one. In fact, Ryan often snuck a spare inhaler to school—but it was routinely confiscated by school staff.

“I would get calls from the school saying, ‘We caught Ryan with an inhaler again,’” Sandra told CBC. “They’d take it away, and he couldn’t bring it home either. I didn’t understand why this policy existed, even with a doctor’s note.”

When Ryan had the asthma attack on the schoolyard, his friends tried to get him to the office to access his inhaler—but they didn’t make it in time. Ryan collapsed. He never woke up.

A Mother’s Mission for Change

Devastated by her son’s preventable death, Sandra Gibbons refused to let it be in vain. She launched a campaign to change school asthma policies across Ontario. Her efforts gained national attention and bipartisan support.

With help from Progressive Conservative MPP Jeff Yurek, Sandra pushed for legislation that would require schools to allow children to carry their inhalers. That campaign led to the passing of Bill 135—Ryan’s Law.

Under Ryan’s Law, any student in Ontario with a doctor’s approval can carry their inhaler in their backpack or pocket while at school. No more locked offices. No more dangerous delays. Just access—when it’s needed most.

“I’m overwhelmed, emotional, and grateful,” Sandra said after the bill passed. “I truly believe Ryan would still be alive today if he had his inhaler.”

Wider Impact and Ongoing Issues

Ryan’s Law has not only changed policy in Canada—it has also raised awareness globally. In the United States, all 50 states have laws that permit students to carry their asthma medication. But some schools still create barriers due to outdated or overly strict anti-drug policies, leaving kids vulnerable during emergencies.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that more than 10 Americans die from asthma each day. And although asthma-related deaths have dropped in the past decade, every one of those deaths is preventable.

Remembering Ryan—and Protecting Others

Ryan’s story is heartbreaking. It’s a painful reminder that bureaucracy, when it overrides common sense, can cost lives. But thanks to his mother’s courage and persistence, Ryan’s legacy now helps protect thousands of children.

To honor Ryan Gibbons and raise awareness about the dangers of restricting access to asthma medication, share this story. His death should never have happened—but because his mother stood up, others may now be spared the same fate.