| By
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Listen to this article
Watermelon-eating contest death, watermelon, contest, choking, resort, Watermelon Mouth, father of four, physical asphyxiation, airway obstruction, emergency response, medical preparedness, food-related competitions, on-site medical staff, delayed emergency response, Heimlich manoeuvre, first aid, CPR, firefighters, emergency care unit, suspicious death, sudden illness, public events, safety measures, rapid eating, airway blockage, aspiration, cardiac stress, trained medical staff
Representational Image: Wikimedia Commons
Watermelon-eating contest death, watermelon, contest, choking, resort, Watermelon Mouth, father of four, physical asphyxiation, airway obstruction, emergency response, medical preparedness, food-related competitions, on-site medical staff, delayed emergency response, Heimlich manoeuvre, first aid, CPR, firefighters, emergency care unit, suspicious death, sudden illness, public events, safety measures, rapid eating, airway blockage, aspiration, cardiac stress, trained medical staff
Representational Image: Wikimedia Commons

Man Chokes to Death During Resort Watermelon Challenge

A watermelon-eating contest death in Brazil has sparked widespread concern about food-related competitions and on-site medical preparedness at public venues. A 37-year-old father of four died after choking during a resort game, leaving his family devastated and prompting questions about emergency response standards.

What Happened at the Resort?

The incident occurred during a light-hearted game known locally as “Watermelon Mouth,” where participants race to eat watermelon with their hands tied behind their backs. The prize was modest: a single serving of French fries. During the final moments of the contest, the participant reportedly became unresponsive while attempting to finish a large piece of fruit.

Witnesses said staff encouraged him to continue, but seconds later, he collapsed. Guests shouted for help and asked if anyone could perform the Heimlich manoeuvre. A fellow guest, believed to be a doctor, attempted first aid, and CPR was reportedly started. Firefighters arrived roughly 25 minutes later and transported him to an emergency care unit.

Medical Cause of Death Explained

Doctors later confirmed the cause of death as physical asphyxiation due to airway obstruction, a medical term for choking. In simple terms, a large piece of food blocked the airway, preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs and brain.
Choking can turn fatal within minutes if the blockage is not removed quickly. Medical experts note that eating contests increase this risk because participants often eat rapidly, swallow large pieces, and suppress natural protective reflexes like chewing thoroughly.

Family Alleges Delayed Emergency Response

The man’s wife has alleged that the resort lacked adequate medical support and did not respond quickly enough. According to her account, her husband remained on the ground for about 30 minutes before being taken to the hospital. She also claimed that a nurse arrived later but did not perform any immediate life-saving procedures.
Additionally, she raised concerns about the contest setup, stating that the table was too low for her husband’s height, potentially forcing him into a dangerous posture while eating.

Resort’s Response and Ongoing Investigation

Resort officials have denied wrongdoing, stating that the guest was alive when transported to the hospital and that staff acted promptly. They added that they are in contact with the family and are offering support.
Local authorities have registered the case as a suspicious death, and investigations are ongoing. Questions remain about safety rules for the activity and why the death was initially described as a sudden illness.

Why Eating Contests Can Be Dangerous

From a medical perspective, eating competitions carry real risks, including:

  • Choking and airway blockage
  • Aspiration, where food enters the lungs
  • Sudden cardiac stress, especially under pressure

Health professionals warn that a watermelon-eating contest death is not an isolated risk. Any event that encourages rapid eating, especially without hands, can quickly become life-threatening if emergency care is delayed.

Conclusion

This watermelon-eating contest death highlights the need for stricter safety measures at public events. Experts recommend:

  • On-site trained medical staff during food challenges
  • Clear safety rules and smaller food portions
  • Immediate access to emergency services
  • Staff trained in choking, first aid, and CPR

As investigations continue, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that even seemingly harmless games can have fatal consequences without proper precautions.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources 

Priya Bairagi

Copy-Writer & Content Editor
All Posts

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.

Read More

Scroll to Top