A day meant to be filled with fun and fundraising ended in tragedy when a mother died participating in one of the evening's games. Natalie Buss, 37, reportedly choked to death October 7 at a Welsh rugby club while trying to put as many marshmallows into her mouth as possible. Witnesses claimed the mother was laughing and having a great time just minutes before her death.
The Daily Mail reported that friends of the mother of two were cheering her on as she competed in the friendly challenge, but as soon as she collapsed on stage, those in the crowd realized something had gone terribly wrong.
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The event was coordinated to raise money for her son's rugby team.
Buss' oldest son plays in an under-10s team for the Beddau Rugby Football Club, close to Pontypridd, South Wales. Buss won a bingo game, and the prize was a chance to compete in the marshmallow-stuffing competition, according to the Daily Mail. A witness, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the whole room was counting and cheering Buss on.
"She was laughing at the same time and it was like she sucked the marshmallows further into her mouth. One minute everyone was enjoying themselves and whooping, the next she was on the floor. It was dreadful to watch it happen in front of you,'" the witness recalled.
Emergency responders rushed to Buss' aid.
Sadly, they couldn't revive her, as the marshmallows reportedly blocked her airway.
"First-aiders went forward to help and someone said they had gone for the defibrillator on the wall of the school opposite," the witness said.
Her sudden death was shocking and left many people upset and heartbroken.
The Beddau Rugby Football Club released a statement on Facebook. Seemingly devastated by Buss' death, the club shared its condolences with Buss' family. The statement reads in part:
“The club and the Beddau community are heartbroken. On Saturday night we lost a very dear friend who will be sadly missed. Everybody associated with Beddau RFC and within the community are nothing less than devastated at the weekend’s tragic accident and we struggle to comprehend the sense of loss people are feeling.”
Wales Online reported that many individuals paid tribute to Buss by leaving flower arrangements at the club in her honor.
The club observed a moment of silence for Buss.
The football club announced on Facebook on October 11 that there would be a moment of silence the following Saturday before the beginning of the day's games.
Many commenters shared thanks to the club and love for Buss' family.
"Sincere condolences from all of us at Barry RFC" one follower wrote.
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The club reportedly had advertised the bingo game on its website.
The club allegedly removed an advertisement for the bingo game from its website. An entertainment company reportedly put the game on. According to sportskeeda.com, the marshmallow game involves players putting as many marshmallows into their mouths as possible. Buss allegedly had seven marshmallows in her mouth before she died.
Another woman allegedly died playing the game in 2019. Mia Austin died attempting to stuff her mouth with the sticky sweets, Sportskeeda.com reported.
Buss' death is under investigation.
