A TEN-YEAR-OLD girl died of a suspected peanut allergy on Southend's Golden Mile after eating at a seafront restaurant.
The girl, who eyewitnesses named as Jessica, is believed to have come from Kent on a day trip with family and friends, including her mother, grandmother and brother.
The family had a meal at Clarke's Fish Restaurant, in Marine Parade, before she fell ill about 7.45pm on Friday.
She was taken to hospital, but died just after 9pm.
The manager of Clarke's, who gave his name as Mr Prewer, confirmed the family had eaten in the restaurant and had mentioned Jessica's allergy.
He told the Echo: "We told them we fry everything in ground nut oil, so she had nothing fried and had a pie.
"I will be talking with the coroner's office today and do not wish to say anything more."
Eyewitnesses said the girl collapsed outside the neighbouring Liberty Belle pub and was given first aid by a passer-by, before the emergency services arrived.
A worker at the Sunspot Arcade, in Marine Parade, who asked not to be named, saw Jessica collapse. He said: "She did not seem to be conscious and her face was going blue.
"She received some chest compression, but I could see her arms and hands going blue. When the paramedic arrived he picked her up and ran with her to the ambulance."
Paul Hughes, manager of the Liberty Belle, said: "I heard a girl had collapsed outside and, by the time I got there, a member of the public was doing some first-aid.
"The mother and grandmother were in tatters and, as someone was helping the girl, I called an ambulance, which arrived within about five minutes.
"The family mentioned she had asthma and a peanut allergy. The mother and grandmother got into the ambulance with the paramedic and the rest got into a vehicle parked nearby."
Mr Hughes said the incident had shocked a lot of people.
He said: "We see a lot of things down here on the seafront, but not that, nothing ever like that.
"The staff would like to say how totally devastated they are by what happened and would like to pass on our condolences to the family."
The ambulance service sent out a rapid response car after being called out.
Paul Leverett, from the ambulance service's control centre, said: "She was in a serious condition when she arrived at Southend Hospital."
Posted by: A.P.R, benfleet on 3:09pm Tue 26 Jun 07
Very sad thing to happen, the family must be devastated.
It's a terrible allergy to have. A person can be affected even if the food they eat has been stored [bold]close[/bold] to food with nuts in.
Very sad thing to happen, the family must be devastated.
It's a terrible allergy to have. A person can be affected even if the food they eat has been stored close to food with nuts in.
Posted by: Jenny, westcliff on 10:10pm Tue 26 Jun 07
Bless you Jessica.
This is a tragic loss and our hearts go out to Jessica's family. we nearly lost our son to Peanut allergy(Anaphylaxis)
in 2002. We touched this nightmare and vowed to let others know about this allergy minefield.No words can express what this is like for you...we are thinking of you all.Be strong for each other x
Bless you Jessica.
This is a tragic loss and our hearts go out to Jessica's family. we nearly lost our son to Peanut allergy(Anaphylaxis)
in 2002. We touched this nightmare and vowed to let others know about this allergy minefield.No words can express what this is like for you...we are thinking of you all.Be strong for each other x
Posted by: southend&proud, bythesea on 12:59am Fri 29 Jun 07
So very sad and my thoughts are with the family during this terrible time.My daughter (aged 4) also has a servere nut allergy.I can't begin to imagine what you are going through at the moment.RIP Jessica
So very sad and my thoughts are with the family during this terrible time.My daughter (aged 4) also has a servere nut allergy.I can't begin to imagine what you are going through at the moment.RIP Jessica
Posted by: michael sheehan, enfield,london on 12:53am Sat 30 Jun 07
Such a tragic waste of a young life.My thoughts and prayers are with your family,i hope they can find the strength to carry on. Rest In peace Jessica ****
Such a tragic waste of a young life.My thoughts and prayers are with your family,i hope they can find the strength to carry on. Rest In peace Jessica ****
Posted by: Very Sad, Seattle, WA, USA on 7:56pm Thu 26 Jul 07
this is awful! why did the mother and grandmother not have an epinephrine injector with them!?!? anyone with a life-threatening allergy MUST be prepared! others should learn from this tragedy.
i'm very sorry for the family.
this is awful! why did the mother and grandmother not have an epinephrine injector with them!?!? anyone with a life-threatening allergy MUST be prepared! others should learn from this tragedy.
Posted by: Family friend, Barnehurst Kent on 3:54pm Wed 1 Aug 07
Ofcourse the family had an Epi Pen!! This was not mentioned in the paper and thoughtless comments like that are not necessary, please think of the family. Jessica's parents and family are the most caring, thoughtful people you will ever meet and treated Jessica like a princess. They were always prepared for treating her asthma and allergy and were so thorough in checking all food ingredients and also well aware of how her nut allergy was life threatening. They did everything they possibly could for her that day and every day. Jessica was the most beautiful child and all that were lucky enough to know her will be left with lovely memories and special thoughts of her. We will always miss her deeply. Goodnight Jess ****
Ofcourse the family had an Epi Pen!! This was not mentioned in the paper and thoughtless comments like that are not necessary, please think of the family. Jessica's parents and family are the most caring, thoughtful people you will ever meet and treated Jessica like a princess. They were always prepared for treating her asthma and allergy and were so thorough in checking all food ingredients and also well aware of how her nut allergy was life threatening. They did everything they possibly could for her that day and every day. Jessica was the most beautiful child and all that were lucky enough to know her will be left with lovely memories and special thoughts of her. We will always miss her deeply. Goodnight Jess ****
Posted by: McKinley Burnett, canada on 8:23pm Sun 23 Mar 08
Thoughtless or not, it's important to mention EPI-PENS at EVERY opportunity, esp. if the news report does not. Even if mentioned tactlessly, that mention just might save another life.
Thoughtless or not, it's important to mention EPI-PENS at EVERY opportunity, esp. if the news report does not. Even if mentioned tactlessly, that mention just might save another life.
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