A 14-year-old girl tragically passed away on the first night of her family holiday in Rome after suffering an allergic reaction. Known as Skyler, the teenage girl had a peanut allergy and collapsed after eating pizza at a restaurant named “I love pizza kebab”. Skyler was on vacation with her parents and two siblings in Italy’s capital city when the incident occurred.
The family had planned to spend a week exploring Rome, visiting museums and archaeological sites while staying in the Gianicolense neighbourhood. Shortly after their meal at the restaurant, Skyler began experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing and a tightening throat. Despite efforts from her parents and hotel staff to help her, Skyler became unconscious. Paramedics arrived at the scene and attempted to resuscitate her, but tragically she succumbed to anaphylactic shock before reaching the hospital.
It was revealed that Skyler had a known peanut allergy, and her family was vigilant about checking food labels and inquiring about allergens when dining out. Authorities opened an investigation to determine if the restaurant was aware of Skyler’s allergy and to verify the presence of allergen information on the menu. The family has since returned to England, and Skyler’s body will be repatriated following medical-legal investigations.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that they are providing support to the family during this difficult time and are cooperating with local authorities. The incident has raised awareness about the importance of food allergies and the need for clear communication between individuals with allergies and food establishments to prevent such tragic events from reoccurring.
The heartbreaking loss of Skyler serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of allergic reactions and the importance of taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of individuals with allergies. Our thoughts are with Skyler’s family as they navigate this devastating loss.