A British teenager with a peanut allergy has tragically died after eating a meal on her first evening in Rome. The 14-year-old, named Skyer by local media, was on holiday with her parents and siblings when she became extremely unwell.
The family had planned to spend a week in the Italian capital, hoping to see lots of the city’s famous sights. They were staying in the Gianicolense neighbourhood of the city and on their first evening chose to dine at a nearby pizzeria named “I love pizza kebab”.
Just 15 minutes later, Skyler began feeling ill, with distressing symptoms including throat constriction, breathlessness, a racing heart, cold shivers, and body tremors, prompting her concerned parents to seek immediate assistance from their B&B hosts, according to reports. Despite a swift response from emergency services, paramedics discovered Skyler in a state of unconsciousness upon arrival.
They tried to resuscitate and bring her to nearby San Camillo hospital by ambulance, but sadly Skyler died of anaphylactic shock even before reaching the medical facility, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported. According to the publication, the British family were planning to visit the Vatican Museums the following day before heading to the Colosseum and the Imperial Fora.
Investigators from the Monteverde police station launched an investigation after speaking to the girl’s parents, who explained she was allergic to peanuts. Skyler’s family also said that in the past she experienced serious allergic reactions, so she would avoid anything that might include peanuts, carefully reading food labels.
The family said they would also enquire about allergens when eating in restaurants. However, it is unclear if the restaurant was made aware of the teen’s allergies before the tragedy.
According to Corriere della Sera, investigators have spoken to the restaurant’s owners. ASL Roma 3, which looks after health services in that district of the city, has begun hygienic and health checks, also to verify the presence of allergen lists in the pizza restaurant.
Investigators said they are looking into whether the allergen was present in the pre-packaged dessert Skyler had. The family has reportedly returned to England and Skyler’s body will be repatriated once the medical-legal investigations, ordered by the Prosecutor’s Office, are completed.
A FCDO Spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British child who has died in Italy and are in contact with local authorities.”