Jury to consider marshmallow eating contest death

A jury inquest is to be held into the death of a woman who choked to death after a marshmallow eating competition.

Natalie Buss, 37, collapsed and died after taking part in the event in October 2023 at Beddau Rugby Club in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

A pre-inquest review in Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, heard the death had been reported to the Health and Safety Executive and consequently a jury inquest was required.

Assistant coroner Gavin Knox concluded that the inquest’s scope would consider the risk assessments carried out ahead of the competition and the actions taken to mitigate the risks of the game.

Mr Knox said the circumstances of the evening would be considered along with the medical cause of death.

Witnesses would include the entertainer who ran the competition on the night in question and an off duty nurse who attempted to help Ms Buss.

Mr Knox said the inquest would not consider the appropriateness of employing the entertainer who, the court heard, has stopped using the competition in his events.