A fun contest took a tragic turn when a man died shortly after winning a live cockroach eating contest in 2012.
A Strange Contest with a Deadly Outcome
The contest took place at a pet store in South Florida, where participants competed to see who could eat the most live cockroaches. The prize? A pet python.
One man went all in, swallowing dozens of cockroaches in hopes of winning. But just minutes after the contest ended, he collapsed. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead soon after.
How Did He Die?
Eating insects isn’t unusual in some cultures, and cockroaches are technically edible. But eating them live—and in large amounts—can be dangerous. Doctors believed his death may have been caused by:
- A severe allergic reaction – Some people are allergic to cockroaches and don’t even know it.
- Choking – The hard shell of cockroaches can make them tough to swallow, possibly blocking the airway.
- Bacteria or infection – Cockroaches crawl through dirty places and carry harmful germs. Eating them raw could lead to serious health issues.
An autopsy was done to find out exactly what happened.
The Internet Reacts
News of the incident quickly spread, shocking people everywhere. Many questioned why such a contest was even allowed. Others blamed the man for taking such a big risk. Some just wondered—was a python really worth it?
A Lesson to Learn
Competitions can be fun, but they shouldn’t come at the cost of safety. This tragic event is a reminder that some risks just aren’t worth taking.
Would you ever enter a contest like this? Let us know your thoughts!