A 22-year-old Israeli man from Jerusalem who was lactose intolerant died Monday night after being exposed to dairy products while traveling in Colombia, according to Emmanuel Nachshon, the Israeli Foreign Ministry's spokesman.
The man reportedly had severe exposure to dairy products in a restaurant in Bogota and was then rushed to a local hospital in critical condition a few days ago. The medical staff there was unable to stabilize his condition.
The 22-year-old was traveling around the country with his friends at the time.
The Israeli had asked the restaurant for a dish without dairy products, Ynet reported. However, he was given food with cheese which he did not notice.
Back in Israel
The Israeli embassy in Bogota stated that it had accompanied the young man's family and friends closely throughout the last few days, and the family had been notified of the man's death.
A relative of the Israeli who died said that he was an "exemplary man, everyone loved him," N12 reported. The relative told N12 that it's possible the restaurant probably got confused with his friend's dish, and brought him one with cheese.
"He was on a post-army trip with friends, after being discharged from service as a fighter in Shiron. He was due to return to Israel in two weeks for his sister's wedding." the relative said, adding that the parents went to Colombia to be by his side in the hospital.
The yeshiva where the individual studied paid tribute to him as well, stating that they were "shocked and hurt by the untimely passing of our dear graduate. We would like to send our condolences to his family and friends."
His coffin is expected to arrive in Israel on Thursday.
This is a developing story.