A lawsuit has shed light on a doctor who died following a meal at a Disney restaurant, where the wait staff allegedly expressed that the food was allergen-free.
Kanokporn Tangsuan, a respected physician at NYU Langone Hospital in Manhattan, passed away unexpectedly after a meal at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Disney Springs on October 5th.
According to reports by the New York Post, her grieving husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, has initiated legal action by filing a 19-page lawsuit in Orange County, Florida, circuit court, alleging that staff at the restaurant were negligent.
Tangsuan had meticulously conveyed her severe nut and dairy allergies to the waitstaff, Piccolo claims in the lawsuit.
Despite Tangsuan's repeated inquiries and assurances from the pub's staff regarding their ability to cater to allergen-free diets, tragedy struck. Tangsuan opted for seemingly safe options such as broccoli and corn fritter, scallops, and onion rings from the menu.
Following her meal, Tangsuan's condition rapidly deteriorated as she explored the shopping complex. She sought refuge in Planet Hollywood, where she succumbed to severe breathing difficulties and collapsed. Despite immediate administration of an epi-pen, Tangsuan tragically passed away at a local hospital, the lawsuit outlines.
Court documents detail the grim findings of the medical examiner's investigation, attributing Tangsuan's demise to anaphylaxis induced by "elevated levels of dairy and nut in her system."
The autopsy report said her manner of death was an accident.
The lawsuit contends that Disney's promotional material emphasizes its commitment to accommodating guests with food allergies. However, Piccolo alleges that the entertainment giant failed in its duty to properly train and instruct employees to ensure allergen-free food preparation.
Furthermore, Piccolo asserts that Disney holds full sway over menu offerings, staff recruitment and training, and policies concerning food allergies at Disney Springs restaurants.
In light of these allegations, Piccolo seeks damages exceeding $50,000 under Florida's wrongful death act, in addition to compensation for mental anguish, loss of income, and funeral expenses.
Writing on Facebook, Piccolo said: "I miss you so much. Meeting you changed my life. I miss your smile, your laugh, dancing around the kitchen with you, exploring and traveling the world with you.
"I miss everything about you baby. The world is such a darker place without you in it and without you in my life so is every day I wake up. I hope you are somewhere better and in a place where you can’t see all the tears I shed for you. I love you!"
As legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on Disney's responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all its patrons.
Disney is yet to respond to the allegations that have been made against them.