A YOUNG Cornish explorer died from an allergic reaction after being reassured repeatedly that his food did not contain nuts, an inquest has heard.

In 2025, 24-year-old Harry James Kitto from Falmouth, was enjoying his travels across South America with his girlfriend Naomi, when they found themselves in Argentina.

Having checked into their accommodation, the pair ventured out to experience one of Buenos Aires’ popular travelling destinations, trying churros and chocolate at Cafe Tortoni.

During the inquest, Naomi told the court how they sat down at the cafe and ordered their food, enquiring as to whether it contained any nuts, which staff responded with a firm no.

However, after his first bite, Harry became unsure as to whether this was truly the case. Following further enquiry, staff remained firm that no nuts were present.

After eating the food, Harry’s lips became swollen. However, after he started feeling slightly better, he concluded there were no nuts after all.

The pair then made their way back to their accommodation, but whilst exiting the tube Harry began to struggle with his breathing and was forced to sit down.

The court heard how he asked for his EpiPen through struggled breaths, causing his girlfriend to rush back to collect it. However, on her return, a crowd had gathered around the 24-year-old who had lost consciousness.

After an ambulance was called, Harry was rushed to hospital, having a cardiac arrest before his arrival, though doctors at the Hospital Ramos Meija were able to restart his heart and stabilise his condition in the intensive care unit.

However, eight days later, Harry was pronounced deceased.

The court heard how, following his death, Harry’s family visited the Cafe Tortoni to enquire about the presence of nuts in their churros, where staff once again said there were none.

After acquiring the food, Harry’s family sealed it in a bag and had it tested in a laboratory, which confirmed the presence of nuts.

Assistant coroner for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Emma Hillson recorded an ‘accidental’ verdict, noting Harry’s belief that the food he was consuming was safe.