In a deeply concerning incident at Lake Travis High School in Texas, a group of football players allegedly placed peanuts in the locker of teammate Carter Mannon, who has a severe peanut allergy. The case, which drew national attention following an interview with PEOPLE magazine in February 2024, has reignited discussions about food allergies, safety, and accountability in school sports programs.
While practical jokes are a common part of high school culture, this episode has underscored how dangerous certain actions can be — particularly when they involve a potentially life-threatening medical condition.
A Serious Medical Condition
According to PEOPLE, Carter Mannon was diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy when he was just nine months old. His mother, Shawna Mannon, recalled the first time they realized the extent of his allergy after he came into contact with peanut butter at home. Within minutes, he developed hives on his skin, leading doctors to confirm a peanut allergy.
The Mayo Clinic defines peanut allergies as one of the most common causes of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur within seconds of exposure. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, and a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Immediate treatment with epinephrine, often administered through an EpiPen, is critical to prevent serious complications.
Despite the risks, Carter had learned to manage his condition carefully over the years. He carried his EpiPen at all times, avoided foods that could trigger reactions, and took precautions while participating in team activities.
Joining the Football Team
Carter was thrilled when he earned a spot on the Lake Travis High School varsity football team, known for its strong athletic tradition in Texas. However, according to his mother’s statements to PEOPLE, not all teammates treated his condition with the seriousness it required.
Shawna said that some members of the team were aware of Carter’s allergy, which made what happened next especially distressing.
The Peanut Incident
In late 2023, according to PEOPLE, several teammates allegedly placed peanuts inside Carter’s locker before a football game. They scattered them across his jersey, gear, and cleats. When Carter opened his locker, he reportedly began to develop hives — an early sign of an allergic reaction.
His mother described the incident as frightening, given the potential severity of his condition. Even limited contact with peanuts or peanut residue can cause serious health consequences for individuals with severe allergies.
The prank came only months after a previous incident in which Carter accidentally consumed a cookie containing peanut traces. On that occasion, he required two doses of his EpiPen and an emergency room visit to stabilize his condition.
School Investigation and Response
Following the locker room incident, Shawna Mannon contacted school administrators and the Lake Travis Independent School District (LTISD) to report what happened. The district launched an internal review.
In an official statement shared with PEOPLE, a spokesperson for LTISD explained that the incident was investigated under the Texas Education Code. While the behavior was deemed inappropriate, it did not meet the legal definition of bullying, which requires evidence of physical harm or a substantial disruption to the educational environment.
According to reports, the students involved received limited disciplinary actions, including being benched for two days, reassigned to different locker rooms, and required to perform extra conditioning drills at practice.
Family’s Concerns and Emotional Impact
For Carter’s family, the school’s response was disappointing. Shawna expressed concern that the incident was not treated with the seriousness it deserved, particularly given the life-threatening nature of her son’s allergy.
She also stated that Carter faced verbal teasing afterward and found it difficult to feel safe or supported in the team environment. Eventually, the Mannon family decided to transfer Carter to a different school to ensure his well-being.
Shawna emphasized that her son’s experience highlights a broader issue about awareness and empathy in school settings, especially when it comes to students with chronic health conditions.
Understanding Peanut Allergies: Medical Facts
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food allergies affect approximately one in 13 children in the United States — that’s about two students per classroom. Among these, peanut allergies are among the most common and severe.
The Mayo Clinic stresses that even trace amounts of peanut protein — such as peanut dust or residue — can trigger a reaction in sensitive individuals. Because of this, schools and athletic programs are encouraged to implement strict allergy protocols and educate students on the seriousness of food allergies.
An EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector) is often a person’s first line of defense during a severe allergic reaction. The CDC recommends that school staff, including coaches and athletic trainers, receive training on how to recognize symptoms of anaphylaxis and administer epinephrine immediately when necessary.
Lessons for Schools and Students
The Lake Travis case has served as a cautionary example for educators, parents, and student-athletes. It demonstrates that pranks involving food allergies are not harmless jokes but potential medical emergencies.
Experts in child health and education stress the importance of awareness training and empathy-building programs in schools. Teaching young people about invisible medical conditions can help prevent dangerous misunderstandings and promote inclusion.
Organizations like Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) recommend that schools establish clear anti-bullying and safety policies related to food allergies. This includes labeling rules, cleaning protocols, and a zero-tolerance policy for actions that endanger others.
Moving Forward: Raising Awareness and Compassion
Following the incident, the Mannon family has reportedly focused on moving forward and raising awareness about food allergy safety. Shawna has encouraged other parents to talk to their children about the potential consequences of their actions, even when intended as jokes.
Public health experts agree that open conversations are vital. By understanding how serious allergic reactions can be, students are more likely to show compassion and make safer choices.
For Carter, transferring schools has allowed him to focus on his academics and athletics in a more supportive environment. His story continues to serve as a reminder that compassion and education can make all the difference — both on and off the field.
