A BRIT died from a “catastrophic” allergic reaction after consuming hot chocolate and churros in a cafe, an inquest has heard.
Harry James Kitto was repeatedly reassured his order from the popular tourist spot in Buenos Aires did not contain nuts, a court heard.
But the 24-year-old – who had a severe peanut allergy – was rushed to hospital after biting into the food on October 30, 2025.
Harry had been travelling around South America with his girlfriend Naomi Pye when tragedy struck.
The pair had visited Mexico, Guatemala and Peru before arriving in Argentina.
They checked into their Buenos Aires accommodation before heading to a popular tourist spot, Café Tortoni, the Daily Mail reports.
After asking the staff in Spanish and English if the churros contained peanuts, they ordered the Argentine treat with a hot chocolate.
But soon after they had eaten, barber Harry started to feel unwell and feared he was having a reaction.
Naomi asked staff again if the churros contained peanuts and again received a “firm no” in response, an inquest in Truro heard.
After ordering and eating a second serving Harry began to feel seriously unwell again.
His girlfriend advised him to make himself throw up but he said he was feeling a little better, the court heard.
Naomi told the court how they took a tube back to their accommodation but his lips swelled and he began struggling to breathe.
She called emergency services and ran into the apartment to get an epi-pen (a medical device used to deliver a rapid dose of adrenaline) and injected him.
As Harry was rushed to hospital by an ambulance his heart stopped for about 11 minutes before it was restarted and he was taken into intensive care.
He died one-eek later from hypoxic brain injury and anaphylactic shock.
At the time of his death a representative of his family wrote on GoFundMe : “For over a week, he showed extraordinary strength and determination — the same strength that made everyone who knew him so proud.
“Despite the doctors’ tireless efforts and Harry’s incredible fight, the medical team confirmed that Harry was brain dead and there was nothing they could do.
“Harry passed quietly with his family around him. Our hearts are broken beyond words.”
The family managed to raise around £71,500 to help with the repatriation process from 2,000 donations.
“Harry fought so hard, and we have never been prouder of him. He was brave, strong, and full of love until the very end,” his loved ones said.
The inquest heard how Harry’s father and brother went to the same cafe a few days later and ordered the same dish.
They asked the staff if the churro and hot chocolate contained any peanuts and were told it did not.
But, when they took a sample to a lab to be tested, the churro was found to contain 20mg of peanut protein per kilo.
The inquest concluded Harry’s death was accidental.
