Mum, 37, choked to death on marshmallows in front of horrified audience at her son’s rugby club after trying to cram as much 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 bingo game where the prize was to be invited to a party game challenge.
Eyewitnesses said she was laughing as she tried to stuff as many pink and white marshmallows into her mouth as possible.
Natalie’s friends in the audience cheered until the mother-of-two suddenly collapsed, not breathing.
Doctors and nurses in the audience rushed forward to help, and a woman ran to a nearby school to get a defibrillator. But she could not escape and the audience was left shocked 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, drowned after taking part in a challenge to raise money for the rugby club. Pictured with husband Elliott
The fundraiser was for the under-10 club team that Natalie’s eldest son played for.
A mother in the village, who did not 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 looked like she was sucking the marshmallows further into her mouth.
“One minute everyone was cheering and screaming, the next minute she was on the floor. It was terrifying to watch it happen in front of you.
First responders stepped 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 airway was blocked by the marshmallows.”
The rugby club was closed on Sunday as a mark of respect for 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 investigations into the circumstances of the death are ongoing.
Doctors and nurses in the audience rushed forward to help and a woman ran to a nearby school to get a defibrillator, but she could not be saved. Pictured with husband Elliott
Pontypridd MP Alex Davies-Jones said on social media: “Really saddened to read this terrible news today. My heart goes out to all those affected and my thoughts are with the family and friends.
“If there is anything I can do to help those who may be affected, please get in touch.”
A spokesman for Beddau RFC described what had happened as “a tragic accident” but said he would not be commenting further.
Messages of condolence from rugby clubs across Wales with many of the U-10 teams playing against Beddau.
One woman commented on Facebook saying: “It’s so sad to think it was a fun night and it ended the way it did. Thoughts are with all the family RIP lovely lady.’
Another said: ‘Absolutely devastated for this family and two beautiful boys now have to grow up without their loving and devoted mother. My heart truly breaks for everyone affected by this tragedy.’
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said it is investigating in its capacity as 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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