British pupil dies after suffering allergic reaction during adventure trip to Tanzania

Tanzania: Jack Burden suffered a severe allergic reaction and could not be resuscitated despite efforts of first-aiders.

A British teenager died from an allergic reaction while on a school trip to Tanzania.

The 18-year-old sixth former, with a party from Harton Technology College, South Shields in Tanzania, has been named locally and on social media as Jack Burden.

He is believed to be the son of Steven and Alison Burden, who have been thanking well-wishers for all messages of condolence today.

His sister Sarah wrote: "So nice seeing all the lovely messages about Jack.

"Can't come to terms with it at the minute. Thank you for all the lovely messages."

Friends of sports-mad Jack also posted tributes to the Newcastle United fan on social media.

She later posted: "Just want to wake up and be told it's all a nightmare, can't even say how I feel right now."

Friend Adam Wallace posted: “Don’t know what to do. My best friend and most lovely person taken away from the world. I love you Jack mate. RIP.”

Liam Appleby said: “Having a best friend one minute and gone the other. Didn’t have a bad word to say about anyone. Words can’t describe how upset I feel.”

Shannon Nixon tweeted: "Haven't spoken to you since primary but can't believe you’re not here anymore, such a tragic accident rest in peace jack burden!"

The True Adventure itinerary offers participants the chance to work on community projects in the south of Tanzania or experience life with a Masai tribe in the north as well as the opportunity of trekking in 19,341ft Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa's highest mountain.

 Haven't spoken to you since primary but can't believe you’re not here anymore, such a tragic accident rest in peace jack burden!

    — shannon (@ShannonNixon6) July 23, 2014

Jack was on a trip with classmates and guides from the school expedition company, True Adventure, when he suffered the severe allergic reaction.

Despite receiving immediate first aid and treatment with EpiPens - an emergency treatment for anaphylactic shock - he could not be resuscitated.

It was believed Jack had a pre-existing medical condition, but it is not known what caused the reaction.

 

Sir Ken Gibson, Executive Head teacher from Harton Technology College, was "devastated" to hear the news.

He said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, and with the students and staff who are still in Tanzania. I have been in touch with the family and the parents of the other students, and will be keeping in close contact with the staff in Tanzania.

"We are hopeful that they will be flying home as soon as possible and we will have professional support in place for all concerned."

True Adventure said their team had been completing a 28-day expedition with the students, trekking in southern Tanzania and working on a charity project.

They were on day 19 when the incident occurred on July 22.

"One of the team had suffered an allergic reaction," said a spokesman.

"Our experienced and qualified expedition leader immediately administered CPR and EpiPens, but sadly the student could not be resuscitated. The cause of the allergic reaction has not been confirmed.

"The Operations Room helped co-ordinate the team evacuation from their remote location by organising for an ambulance with an international medical support agency doctor and a medic to meet them at the nearest road-head."

He added: "The thoughts and condolences of all at True Adventure are with their family and friends and our efforts are fully focused on ensuring they are supported in any way possible."

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, aware of the death, was 'providing consular assistance at this sad time'.

A spokeswoman for South Tyneside Council, which runs Harton College, said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends. We will be offering counselling and any other support that we can."