Mother choked to death on marshmallows in front of horrified audience

Mother, 37, choked to death on marshmallows in front of horrified audience at her son’s rugby club after trying to cram as many into her mouth as possible for fundraising competition

A mother choked to death on marshmallows when a stunt at a rugby club fundraiser went tragically wrong.

Natalie Buss, 37, won a game of bingo where the prize was to be invited up for a party game challenge.

Eye witnesses said she was laughing as she tried to cram as many pink and white marshmallows into her mouth as possible.

Natalie’s friends in the audience were cheering until the mother-of-two suddenly collapsed unable to breathe.

Medics and nurses in the audience dashed forward to help and a woman ran to a nearby school to fetch a defibrillator. But she couldn’t be saved and the audience was left in shock with many in tears. 

Police are investigating the tragedy at Beddau Rugby Football Club, near Pontypridd, South Wales, shortly after 10pm on Saturday night. 

Natalie Buss, 37, choked after she participated in a challenge to raise money for the rugby club. Pictured with husband Elliott

The fundraiser was for the club’s under-10s team who Natalie’s eldest boy played for.

A mother in the village, who didn’t want to be named, said: ‘The DJ and everyone in the audience was counting as each marshmallow went into her mouth.

‘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.

‘First-aiders went forward to help and someone said they had gone for the defibrillator on the wall of the school opposite.

‘But it didn’t help – her airways were blocked by the marshmallows.’

The rugby club closed on Sunday in a mark of respect to Natalie who had recently moved to the village.

The bingo game, advertised on the club’s website but now taken down, was put on by a local entertainment company.

A South Wales Police spokesman said: ‘A 37-year-old woman collapsed and died at Beddau RFC.

‘The coroner has been informed and inquiries into the circumstances of the death are continuing.’

Medics and nurses in the audience dashed forward to help and a woman ran to a nearby school to fetch a defibrillator, but she could not be saved. Pictured with husband Elliott

Pontypridd MP Alex Davies-Jones said on social media: ‘Really sad to read this awful news today. My heart goes out to all those affected and my thoughts are with family and friends.

‘If there’s anything I can do to help those who might be impacted, please get in touch.’

A Beddau RFC spokesperson described what had happened as ‘a tragic accident’ but said it would not comment further.

Messages of condolences from rugby clubs across Wales with many from Under-10s teams who play against Beddau.

One woman commented on Facebook saying: ‘It is so sad to think it was a fun night out and ended the way it did. Thoughts are with all the family R.I.P lovely lady.’

Another said: ‘Totally devastated for this family and the beautiful two boys now having to grow up without their loving and devoted mum. My heart truly breaks for everyone who has been affected by this tragedy.’

Rhondda Cynon Taf council said it was investigating in its capacity as the health and safety regulator and licensing authority.

A spokesman said: ‘Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.’

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