Canadian Boy’s Tragic Death from Asthma Spurs Change—and a Powerful Reminder for U.S. Schools

Twelve-year-old Ryan Gibbons tragically died from an asthma attack at his school in Ontario, Canada, after being denied access to his inhaler. The school had locked it in the principal’s office, following a strict policy that prevented students from carrying their own medication—even with a doctor’s note.

Despite multiple pleas from his mother, Sandra Gibbons, and medical documentation, Ryan wasn’t allowed to keep an inhaler on him. Previous spare inhalers were even confiscated. His heartbreaking death triggered national outrage and led Sandra to fight for change.

Her advocacy paid off. Ontario passed Ryan’s Law, requiring schools to let students carry their inhalers with proper medical approval.

In the U.S., most states do allow students to carry asthma inhalers. However, some schools still enforce blanket anti-drug rules that restrict access—policies that can put lives at risk. Asthma claims more than ten lives every day in the United States.

Ryan’s legacy lives on, helping ensure that children with asthma can get the life-saving medication they need, exactly when they need it.