Did Sunjay Kapur Die of Anaphylactic Shock? What Is It and How to Keep Safe Explained?

"One moment he was riding strong, the next—gone." Sunjay Kapur’s tragic death during a polo match has left friends, family, and fans in shock. What appeared to be a routine game turned fatal after he reportedly swallowed a bee and collapsed soon after. His sudden passing has brought a rare but serious medical emergency into public focus.

Doctors now believe anaphylactic shock triggered by the sting may have led to his collapse. “In rare cases, a sting on the tongue can rapidly close airways or affect the heart,” explained a senior cardiologist in his exclusive interview.

Tragedy on the Field: What Happened to Sunjay Kapur?

In a post on X, Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy, Lead Consultant and Senior Interventional Cardiologist at KIMS Hospital, Mahadevapura, and RxDx Clinic, Whitefield, Bengaluru, called Sunjay Kapur’s case extremely rare and alarming. He explained that Kounis Syndrome is triggered by allergic reactions that can lead to acute coronary syndrome and sudden heart attacks. Dr Krishnamurthy noted that Kapur had swallowed a bee during his polo match before feeling the sting.

A rare case. Kounis syndrome. A severe allergic reaction leading to #heartattack. Sanjay Kapur had a bee sting inside his throat when he swallowed it during a game of Polo. Probably lead to anaphylaxis and myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest. #MedTwitter pic.twitter.com/l5NKfZwZ9i

— Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy (@DrDeepakKrishn1) June 13, 2025

That sting in his throat likely led to anaphylaxis and severe myocardial infarction very rapidly thereafter. The attached screenshots showed reports saying Sunjay Kapur suffered anaphylactic shock immediately after swallowing the bee in his throat. 

Kounis Syndrome: A Rare But Deadly Reaction

Kounis Syndrome occurs when the body’s allergic reaction releases chemicals that can narrow heart blood vessels. This reaction can cause coronary artery spasms and rupture of arterial plaques, triggering severe heart issues. 

In Sunjay Kapur’s case, the bee venom likely provoked a massive immune response within his arteries. Patients with no prior heart disease can still face serious complications from Kounis Syndrome reactions. Prompt early recognition and treatment with epinephrine and antihistamines can significantly improve the chances of survival. 

Understanding Anaphylactic Shock and Its Risks

Anaphylaxis happens when the immune system potentially overreacts to an allergen, releasing histamine in large amounts. This reaction can cause throat swelling, low blood pressure, breathing difficulty, and eventually collapse if untreated. Often, the condition can develop in minutes and requires fast, quick action to prevent fatal outcomes. 

People with known allergies should always carry an epinephrine auto‑injector and wear visible medical alert bracelets. Timely administration of epinephrine and emergency help immediately can save lives after severe allergic reactions. 

How to Stay Safe from Severe Allergic Reactions?

First, individuals with known insect allergies should consult an allergist to receive a diagnosis and plan. Next, doctors often prescribe an epinephrine auto‑injector for immediate injection during potential initial anaphylaxis signs. Always learn how to use the auto‑injector correctly and practice techniques under medical supervision regularly.

Third, wear medical alert jewellery that clearly states allergies to inform bystanders and first responders quickly. Lastly, avoid known triggers when possible and ensure friends and family know emergency steps to help.

Sunjay Kapur’s death reminds everyone that rare allergic reactions can cause unexpected life‑ending events suddenly. Stay prepared with knowledge and tools to reduce risks and save lives in critical moments.