French Fitness Blogger Killed by Exploding Whipped Cream Dispenser

A French fitness blogger was killed in an accident involving an exploding whipped cream dispenser, which hit her in the chest and caused her to have a heart attack. According to a news report in the Daily Mail, Rebecca Burger, 33, was struck in the thorax by a cream siphon. Burger has apparently amassed an Instagram following of more than 200,000 with her health and fitness posts.

Dangerous and Defective Dispensers

Burger’s family warned her followers about the danger of these whipped cream dispensers. “This is an example of the whipped cream siphon that exploded and hit Rebecca’s thorax leading to her death,” her family wrote under a photo of the metal device. The dispenser that led to her death was sealed, they said, adding that consumers should never use this device. They added that tens of thousands of these defective devices still flood the market and pose dangers to consumers.

French police have confirmed that they have launched an investigation. French media reported that Burger’s heart stopped during the accident and she was temporarily revived by paramedics, but died later at a hospital. Serious injury due to whipped cream dispensers is not unheard of in France. French consumer magazine 60 Million Consumers says pressurized devices such as the whipped cream dispenser in question have led to serious injuries such as eye injuries and chest fractures.

In the wake of Burger’s death, the magazine reminded readers that it had documented more than 20 separate incidents related to whipped cream dispensers in the four years since Ard’Time issued a massive recall for these dispensers. It was the same brand that killed Burger. Injuries reported range from broken teeth and facial fractures to comas.

A Tragic Reminder

While this may appear to many to have been a “freak accident,” it really wasn’t. Consumer groups for years have been warning the public and safety officials about the dangers of these defective gourmet dispensers. Despite the recall, they had been consistently getting reports of serious injuries. While this is the first time someone has actually died after getting hit by a siphon, safety advocates say it doesn’t surprise them.

Anyone who has been injured by a defective product has the right to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer seeking compensation for their losses. If you have lost a loved one as the result of a dangerous product, you may be able to file a wrongful death seeking compensation as well. Contact an experienced product defect lawyer who will help you better understand your legal rights and options.