BRITISH TOURIST, 24, DIES AFTER BEING REASSURED HIS FOOD WAS PEANUT-FREE — LAB TEST LATER FINDS PEANUT PROTEIN

A heartbreaking tragedy has emerged from Argentina after a 24-year-old British traveller died following a catastrophic allergic reaction to food he had reportedly been assured was safe to eat.

Harry James Kitto, from Falmouth, Cornwall, was travelling through South America with his girlfriend, Naomi Pye, when the couple visited a popular café in Buenos Aires. What should have been an ordinary stop during their adventure turned into a devastating emergency that ultimately claimed Harry’s life.

An inquest has now heard how the young man, who had a severe peanut allergy, repeatedly asked whether the food contained nuts — only to be reassured that it did not.

A SIMPLE FOOD ORDER TURNED INTO A NIGHTMARE

On October 30, 2025, Harry and Naomi visited the famous Café Tortoni, a well-known tourist destination in Argentina’s capital.

The couple ordered churros, a traditional fried pastry, accompanied by hot chocolate. Because Harry had a serious peanut allergy, they took precautions and asked staff in both Spanish and English whether the food contained peanuts.

According to evidence presented at the inquest, they were told it did not.

But shortly after eating, Harry began feeling unwell and became concerned that he might be experiencing an allergic reaction.

Naomi asked the café staff about the ingredients again. The couple reportedly received another firm assurance that the food contained no nuts.

After eating a second serving, however, Harry became seriously unwell once more.

HIS CONDITION DETERIORATED RAPIDLY

As the couple made their way back to their accommodation, Harry’s condition worsened dramatically.

His lips began to swell, and he struggled to breathe. Naomi called for emergency assistance and rushed to retrieve his EpiPen, an emergency device used to administer adrenaline during a severe allergic reaction.

She injected him as the situation unfolded, but Harry required urgent hospital treatment.

During the journey to hospital, his heart stopped for approximately 11 minutes before medical staff managed to restart it. He was admitted to intensive care, where doctors fought to save his life.

Despite their efforts, Harry suffered a devastating hypoxic brain injury — damage caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain — alongside anaphylactic shock.

He died on November 7, 2025, approximately one week after the incident.

His family were left facing an unimaginable loss as a young man who had been exploring the world with his girlfriend never returned home.

 A FAMILY SEARCHED FOR ANSWERS

In the days following Harry’s death, his father and brother reportedly returned to the same café and ordered the same food.

They again asked whether the churros and hot chocolate contained peanuts. According to evidence heard at the inquest, staff told them the food did not contain peanuts.

The family then arranged for a sample of the churro to be tested in a laboratory.

The results reportedly detected 20 milligrams of peanut protein per kilogram in the sample.

The finding raised heartbreaking questions about the assurances Harry and Naomi had received before eating.

The inquest heard evidence about the food, the repeated questions asked by the couple and the laboratory results. The coroner ultimately recorded a conclusion of accidental death.

 REMEMBERING A YOUNG MAN FULL OF LIFE

Harry had been travelling through South America with Naomi, visiting countries including Mexico, Guatemala and Peru before reaching Argentina.

For his family and loved ones, the trip represented a time of adventure and discovery — until tragedy struck just days before he was expected to return home.

In a message shared after his death, his family described how Harry had fought for more than a week, showing extraordinary strength and determination despite his critical condition.

They said he had been brave, strong and full of love until the very end.

Their words reflected the devastating reality of losing someone so young, particularly after a medical emergency that initially offered hope that he might survive.

A fundraising campaign was also established to help bring Harry’s body home and support his family during the difficult aftermath. Donations reportedly reached approximately £71,500.

 A TRAGEDY THAT RAISES IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Harry’s death has renewed attention on the risks faced by people with severe food allergies, particularly when travelling abroad and relying on information about ingredients.

For someone with a serious peanut allergy, even a small amount of peanut protein can trigger a potentially life-threatening reaction. Cross-contamination can also pose a danger, even when peanuts are not deliberately added to a recipe.

The case highlights the importance of clear, accurate allergen information and careful procedures for preparing and serving food.

For Harry’s loved ones, however, the most important fact is far more personal: a young man they loved went on a journey full of promise, but never made it home.

Harry was just 24 years old. His death has left his family and friends grieving a life cut tragically short — and searching for answers after a devastating loss.

Source: The Irish Sun; ITV News; reporting on the Cornwall inquest.