A mum tragically choked to death during a marshmallow-eating contest at a fundraising event, an inquest heard today.
Natalie Buss, 37, an accountant, was participating in the contest at a party organised to raise funds for her son’s under-10s rugby team. She had been consuming handfuls of pink and white marshmallows on stage but collapsed shortly after leaving it.
Emergency services were called as audience members, including an off-duty nurse, attempted to assist her while another individual rushed to a nearby school to retrieve a defibrillator.
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Despite their efforts, Mrs Buss could not be saved, leaving the crowd in shock and many in tears. The pre-inquest hearing revealed the event was hosted by popular entertainer Christopher Gibbons, 34, known as “Roly-Poly”, at Beddau RFC near Pontypridd in South Wales.
(Image: John Myers)
Gibbons, described as an “established entertainer”, has hosted hundreds of parties over the past 15 years. The hearing was told he has “since decided to stop introducing the game to people” following the tragic incident, reports the Mirror.
Mrs Buss had won a bingo game which led to her participation in the fatal marshmallow contest. Contestants were given a time limit of 60 seconds to see how many marshmallows they could swallow, cheered on by family and friends in the clubhouse.
In the wake of the tragic passing of Natalie Buss, of Beddau RFC, expressed profound sorrow, describing the community and club as “heartbroken”. The statement released by the club said: “Everybody associated with Beddau RFC and within the community is nothing less than devastated at the weekend’s tragic accident and we struggle to comprehend the sense of loss people are feeling.
(Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE)
“This said, we must acknowledge our loss pales into insignificance in comparison to the loss of a lady who was a wonderful wife, mother and daughter to what was an absolutely tragic turn of events. As a club we send out our sincerest, heartfelt condolences to all the family, the close friends and to all those that this has so badly impacted – you are all in our thoughts today.”
The upcoming inquest will include testimony from her husband Elliott Buss, Mr Gibbons, two emergency paramedics present at the tragedy, and Dr Kate Spencer, Mrs Buss’ general practitioner, regarding her health status.
Local Labour MP Alex Davies-Jones responded to the incident, stating: “My heart goes out to all those affected and my thoughts are with their family and friends. If there is anything I can do to help anyone who might be impacted, please get in touch.”
(Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE)
During a hearing at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court, Coroner Gavin Knox stated the inquest into the horrific incident will “focus on risk assessment and risk mitigation relating to the game”. He detailed it would look into the events during her play of the game, including the cause of death – and the “appropriateness” of entertainment offered at the club.
Mr Knox indicated that he’s likely to sit with a jury for the next year’s inquest as he feels “mandated to do so”, particularly if there’s suspicion Mrs Buss’ death might be the result of a “notifiable accident”. The case has already been flagged to the Health and Safety Executive for a probe.
He expressed to the family of Mrs Buss that setting a date for a full inquest would take at least six months due to a backlog caused by the coronavirus pandemic and jury inquests, for which he extended his apologies, assuring a date would be set at the earliest opportunity.
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