Mum-of-two chokes and dies after cramming seven marshmallows into her mouth in eating competition

A mother of two choked and died while taking part in a marshmallow-eating contest at a fundraising event.

A mum of two collapsed and died while taking part in a marshmallow eating contest.

Natalie Buss, 37, choked after cramming seven of the squidgy sweets in her mouth at a rugby club fundraising event.

A woman in the audience said: “The DJ was counting as each marshmallow went into her mouth.

“I think he got to seven. 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.

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

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

Onlookers at Beddau Rugby Club, South Wales, were left in shock — with many in tears.

The fundraiser was for the club’s under-tens team, the Bulldogs, whose players have included Natalie’s eldest son.

Natalie Buss, 37, choked after cramming seven of the squidgy sweets in her mouth at a rugby club fundraising event.

It is understood the contest was put on by a local entertainment company.

In a statement, the club said: “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.

“This said, we must acknowledge that 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.”

Police are investigating the tragedy, which happened shortly after 10pm on Saturday.

Natalie worked as an accountant for finance firm UHY Hacker Young alongside husband Elliott, 40, who is a partner at the company.

The firm did not wish to comment.

The family is waiting for the results of a post mortem.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission