Tragic Outcome of Marshmallow-Eating Contest at Rugby Club Fundraiser
A mother of two died after participating in a marshmallow-eating competition at a rugby club fundraiser. The incident has prompted a coroner's inquest and raised questions about event safety.
A fundraising event at a rugby club in South Wales took a tragic turn when a Natalie Buss, a 37-year-old mother of two, lost her life after participating in a marshmallow-eating contest. The incident, which occurred in October 2023 at Beddau RFC near Pontypridd, has prompted a coroner's inquest and raised serious questions about event safety.
The competition, organized by entertainer Christopher Gibbons, challenged participants to fit as many marshmallows as possible into their mouths within a 60-second timeframe. Buss, who had won a bingo game earlier in the evening, was called up to participate in the contest. Tragically, she collapsed shortly after leaving the stage, despite immediate efforts to save her life.
Marshmallows, originally invented in ancient Egypt around 2000 BCE, have a long and varied history. The modern version, created in 19th century France, has become a popular confection worldwide. Interestingly, the world record for marshmallow eating stands at 25 regular-sized marshmallows consumed in one minute, highlighting the potential risks of such competitions.
Gibbons, known professionally as "Roly-Poly," is an established entertainer with over 15 years of experience hosting parties and events. Following this tragic incident, he has reportedly decided to discontinue the marshmallow-eating game from his repertoire.
A pre-inquest review at Pontypridd Coroners' Court has outlined the scope of the upcoming full inquest. Coroner Gavin Knox stated that the investigation will focus on risk assessment and mitigation related to the game, as well as the appropriateness of the entertainment provided at the club. The case has been reported to the health and safety executive for further investigation.
"The scope of the inquest would focus on risk assessment and risk mitigation relating to the game."
The inquest, likely to be held in 2025, will involve a jury due to the potential classification of the incident as a "notifiable accident." This legal process aims to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding Buss's death and potentially prevent similar tragedies in the future.
It's worth noting that while marshmallows are generally considered a harmless treat, with the average marshmallow containing about 23 calories, they can pose serious risks when consumed in large quantities or during competitive eating events. Historically, marshmallows were even used medicinally, with the marshmallow plant being utilized for its healing properties for thousands of years.
The Beddau RFC and the local community have expressed their heartbreak over the loss of Natalie Buss. This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety considerations in all public events, even those intended for entertainment and fundraising purposes.
