Inquest concludes allergy death was accidental in Argentina
An inquest has concluded that the death of 24-year-old Harry Kitto, who suffered a fatal allergic reaction after eating a dessert in Buenos Aires, was accidental. Natasha’s Foundation has been supporting Harry’s family as they seek answers and hope to prevent another family experiencing a similar tragedy.
Harry Kitto, a 24-year-old photographer and barber from Falmouth, Cornwall, was travelling through South America with his girlfriend, Naomi, when he suffered a severe allergic reaction after eating churros at the famous Café Tortoni in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Harry, who lived with a known peanut allergy, had informed café staff of his allergy before ordering the dessert on 30 October 2025. He had been assured that the food would be free from peanuts.
Within minutes of eating the churros, Harry became concerned that the dessert contained peanuts. He became seriously unwell shortly afterwards and suffered anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
Despite receiving emergency treatment, Harry died on 7 November 2025, aged just 24.
At an inquest held at Truro Coroner’s Court on Wednesday 21 October 2026, assistant coroner Emma Hillson concluded that Harry’s death was accidental.
A devastating loss for Harry’s family
Harry and Naomi had been travelling through South America and were just days away from returning home when the tragedy occurred.
As Harry began experiencing anaphylaxis, Naomi administered an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI). He was also given 2 intravenous doses of adrenaline in an ambulance on the way to hospital.
Despite these efforts, Harry’s heart stopped, causing catastrophic and irreversible brain damage.
Members of Harry’s family travelled to Argentina to be by his side as he remained in hospital in Buenos Aires for a week. Doctors later confirmed that there was nothing more they could do.
Harry’s mum, Kerry Burt, was unable to travel to Argentina and had to say goodbye to her son over a FaceTime call.
Kerry said:
“Losing Harry is the hardest thing I will ever have to live through.
“One of the most painful things for me as his mum was not being able to be there with him in Argentina. I had to say goodbye to my son and watch him leave this world over a FaceTime call. That is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
“Harry was only 24. He had so much life ahead of him, so many plans and so much more he wanted to do.
“We cannot change what happened to Harry, but as a family we want to understand exactly what happened and do everything we can to help prevent another person with a food allergy, and another family, having to experience something like this.”
Harry Kitto, 24.
Harry’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the serious risks faced by people living with food allergies, particularly when travelling abroad.
Food allergy awareness, food preparation practices and allergen information can vary between countries. Language barriers can also make communicating dietary requirements and understanding potential risks more challenging.
For people with severe food allergies, even a small amount of an allergen can trigger anaphylaxis, a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Harry had taken steps to communicate his peanut allergy to café staff before ordering his food. Despite being reassured that the dessert was safe for him to eat, he suffered a fatal allergic reaction.
His death highlights the importance of accurate allergen information, clear communication and greater understanding of food allergies across the hospitality industry, both in the UK and internationally.
Natasha’s Foundation supports Harry’s family
Natasha’s Foundation, the UK’s food allergy charity, has been supporting Harry’s family since he experienced the allergic reaction in Argentina.
The charity was founded by Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBE following the death of their 15-year-old daughter, Natasha, who suffered a fatal allergic reaction in 2016.
Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, founder of Natasha’s Foundation, said:
“Harry's death is absolutely heartbreaking and we send our love and support to Harry's family.
“It is another reminder that food allergies are a serious and unpredictable medical condition which for some, like Harry, can be fatal. Travelling with a food allergy can present significant challenges; understanding of food allergy varies from country to country and language barriers can be another problem.
“We would urge anyone travelling with a food allergy to plan ahead and take their medication with them.”
Working towards a future without food allergy
No family should have to experience the devastating loss of a loved one to a food allergy.
Through pioneering research, education and campaigning, Natasha’s Foundation is working to improve food allergy safety, raise awareness of anaphylaxis and create lasting change for people living with food allergies.
Harry was just 24 years old. He had a future full of plans, opportunities and experiences ahead of him.
His family hopes that by sharing his story and understanding the circumstances surrounding his death, they can help prevent another life being lost.
Find out more about Natasha’s Foundation and our work to create a future without food allergy.