Disney World Guest Dies After Resto Staff Insist Food Is Nut, Dairy Allergen-Free, Lawsuit Claims
A supposedly happy holiday took a tragic turn when a doctor died suddenly after having dinner at one of the restaurants of the "happiest place on Earth."
Jeffrey Piccolo, the husband of NYU doctor Kanokporn Tangsuan, detailed in a 19-page lawsuit filed in Orange County, Florida, Thursday the tragic incident his wife allegedly experienced during a trip to Disney Springs in October 2023, CNN reported.
The lawsuit accused Walt Disney Parks and Resorts of negligence for allegedly failing to "educate, train and/or instruct its employees" in ensuring that the food they indicated as allergen-free or requested to be made allergen-free was truly free from allergens.
According to the court papers, Tangsuan and Piccolo, as well as Piccolo's mom, had dinner at the Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant on Oct. 5, 2023, where the doctor ordered a vegan fritter, scallops, onion rings and a vegan shepherd's pie.
Tangsuan repeatedly made it clear to the staff at the pub that she was allergic to nuts and dairy. After checking several times to make sure that her food was free from allergens, the staff guaranteed that they were able to make allergen-free food for her, per the lawsuit.
After dinner, the couple left the restaurant to explore the shopping complex before entering Planet Hollywood, a four-story themed restaurant and emporium. While inside, the New York-based doctor reportedly experienced severe breathing difficulties before collapsing.
First responders were immediately called, and an epi-pen was administered. However, Tangsuan died. A medical examiner's investigation revealed that she died of anaphylaxis caused by "elevated levels of dairy and nut in her system."
Through the lawsuit, Piccolo seeks $50,000 for his wife's alleged wrongful death, including the mental damages, income loss and funeral expenses it brought about.
CNN reached out to Disney for comment, but the company did not immediately respond.
According to an online obituary, Tangsuan died at age 42. She was survived by her husband, Jeffrey, and her parents, Amnuay and Kanchana Tangsuan.
Her resting place was at Mount Pleasant Cemetery and Crematory at 43 Main Street Center Moriches, New York.
