In a heartbreaking turn of events, Aman finds himself embroiled in a legal battle against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant following the sudden death of his wife, a respected New York-based doctor, after dining at the restaurant. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the waitstaff, who were purportedly aware of the severe food allergies of Aman’s wife.
The tragic incident unfolded in October 2023 when Kanokporn Tangsuan, along with her husband Jeffrey Piccolo and Piccolo’s mother, opted to dine at Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs, a part of the Walt Disney World resort. They selected this venue with the belief that it would have adequate safeguards in place to cater to Tangsuan’s allergies to dairy and nuts.
According to the lawsuit filed on February 22 in Orange County, Florida, the waiter reassured the couple multiple times that certain dishes could be prepared allergen-free. Tangsuan placed her order, which included a vegan fritter, scallops, onion rings, and a vegan shepherd’s pie. Although some of the food arrived without allergen-free flags, the waiter allegedly reiterated that the food was indeed safe for consumption.
Tragically, Tangsuan began experiencing a severe allergic reaction while shopping in the Disney Springs area after dinner. She reportedly struggled to breathe and collapsed, prompting a 911 call. Despite administering an Epi-Pen, Tangsuan succumbed to anaphylaxis due to elevated levels of dairy and nut in her system, as determined by a medical examiner’s investigation.
In response to the devastating loss, Jeffrey Piccolo’s attorney, Brian Denney, expressed his client’s profound grief and emphasized their intention to seek justice to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Denney highlighted Piccolo’s devastation over the premature loss of his beloved wife, noting that Tangsuan had her entire life ahead of her, with plans to start a family.
Tangsuan, known by the name Amy, was a dedicated family medicine doctor associated with prominent hospitals such as NYU Langone, as detailed in her doctor profile on US News and World Report. The lawsuit contends that Raglan Road failed to adequately train its staff, neglected to warn Tangsuan about allergens in her food, and disregarded repeated requests to prepare allergen-free meals.
Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of Disney Parks and Resorts, asserting that the company bears responsibility for overseeing the restaurants and implementing policies at Disney Springs. Seeking damages exceeding $50,000 under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, Piccolo also seeks compensation for mental anguish, loss of companionship, loss of income, and medical and funeral expenses.
The tragic loss of Kanokporn Tangsuan serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of proper food handling and allergen management in dining establishments. This lawsuit underscores the need for comprehensive training for restaurant staff and stringent adherence to allergy protocols to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.