Mother 'chokes on marshmallows' in eating contest | UK news

A mother choked to death after taking part in a marshmallow eating contest at a charity event, a hearing was told.

Natalie Buss, 37, was called out by the DJ to see who could “get the most marshmallows in their mouth” at the rugby club event near Pontypridd in south Wales.

The accountant devoured handfuls of pink and white marshmallows lined up on the podium – but collapsed after leaving the stage.

While they waited for paramedics to arrive, members of the crowd, including an off-duty nurse, attempted to save their lives and someone ran to get a defibrillator from a nearby school.

But Ms. Buss – a mother of two children – suffocated, leaving those around her in shock and with many tears in their eyes at the pre-trial hearing.

The event was held at Beddau RFC in the village of Beddau in October last year to raise money for the under-10 rugby team that Mrs Buss' son played on.

The club hired popular entertainer Christopher Gibbons (34) as moderator for the fundraiser.

Mr Gibbons – known as 'Roly-Poly' – has hosted hundreds of parties as a DJ and entertainer for over 15 years and was described as an 'established entertainer' at the hearing at Pontypridd Coroners' Court.

At this special event, Mrs. Buss, who lived in nearby Church Village, won a bingo game that called her into the marshmallow-throwing contest.

Participants had 60 seconds to see how many marshmallows they could swallow – cheered on by family and friends in the clubhouse.

Since the tragedy, Mr Gibbons has “decided not to introduce the game to people anymore,” the hearing said.

He has been questioned by police and will give evidence before a full jury at an inquest to be held at a later date.

Coroner Gavin Knox told the hearing that the scope of the investigation would “focus on risk assessment and risk mitigation related to the game”.

He said they would investigate what happened during the game, determine the cause of death and review the “appropriateness” of the entertainment offered at the club.

Mr Knox told the hearing that he felt “obliged to serve as a juror at the inquest, which is likely to take place next year”.

He said he would have to join a jury if he had reason to believe that Ms Buss's death could have been the result of a “reportable accident.”

Jury inquests are often held when a person's death occurs in circumstances that might be considered “suspicious or controversial” or that might have far-reaching public implications.

Ms. Buss’s death was reported to the responsible occupational safety authority for investigation.

Mr Knox told her family that due to a backlog in inquests by jury, partly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, a full inquest would likely not take place for at least six months.

Mrs Buss' husband Elliott Buss, Mr Gibbons, two paramedics present and her family doctor Dr Kate Spencer will give evidence at the inquest.

Shortly after her death, local Labour MP Alex Davies-Jones said: “My deepest sympathies go out to those affected and my thoughts are with their families and friends.”

“If I can help anyone who might be affected, please contact me.”

Meanwhile, Beddau RFC said the club and the community were “heartbroken”.

A statement said: “Everyone associated with Beddau RFC and in the community is devastated by the tragic accident at the weekend and can hardly comprehend the loss that people are feeling.”

“However, we must admit that our loss is insignificant compared to the loss of a woman who was a wonderful wife, mother and daughter to us, and this in an absolutely tragic turn of events.”

“As a club, we extend our sincere, heartfelt condolences to the entire family, close friends and all those who have been so deeply affected by this – you are all in our thoughts today.”

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