A New York University doctor tragically lost her life after dining at a Disney restaurant in Florida, sparking a lawsuit from her grieving husband who alleges negligence on the part of the staff. Dr. Kanokporn Tangsuan, who worked at the esteemed NYU Langone hospital in Manhattan, passed away suddenly following a meal at the Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant located in Disney Springs on October 5.
Jeffrey Piccolo, Tangsuan’s husband, has initiated a 19-page lawsuit in the circuit court of Orange County, Florida. He accuses Walt Disney Parks and Resorts of negligence, stating that his wife had explicitly informed the restaurant staff about her allergies to nuts and dairy. Despite her clear communication, the lawsuit alleges that the staff assured her they could prepare food free from allergens.
According to the lawsuit, Tangsuan had double-checked with the staff before ordering her meal, which included broccoli and corn fritter, scallops, and onion rings. After leaving the restaurant to explore the shopping complex, she began to feel unwell. She subsequently entered Planet Hollywood, where she collapsed due to severe breathing difficulties. Despite the immediate administration of an epi-pen, she later died at a local hospital.
The lawsuit cites the findings of the medical examiner’s investigation, which concluded that Tangsuan’s death was due to anaphylaxis triggered by “elevated levels of dairy and nut in her system.” The lawsuit further alleges that Disney advertises and assures the public that accommodating food allergies is a “top priority” at its parks and resorts.
The lawsuit accuses Disney of failing to adequately train its employees to ensure that food indicated as allergen-free or requested to be made allergen-free was indeed free of allergens. It also asserts that Disney had control over the menu, the hiring and training of the wait staff, and the policies and procedures related to food allergies at Disney Springs restaurants.
Piccolo is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 under Florida’s wrongful death act. He is also seeking compensation for mental pain and suffering, loss of income, and funeral expenses. Disney has yet to respond to requests for comment.