Father Dies After Choking During Watermelon Eating Contest

A tragic incident unfolded at the Sao Pedro Thermas Resort in São Paulo, Brazil, where a father of four, Carlos Cerasomma, aged 37, died after choking during a watermelon eating contest. The competition, known as “Boca de Melancia,” required participants to consume watermelon as quickly as possible without using their hands, bending over a low table in the process.

Carlos was competing for a portion of French fries when the incident occurred, witnessed by his wife, Kimberly Santos, and other hotel guests. Reports indicate that staff encouraged him to finish the final piece of watermelon before recognizing he was unresponsive. Following the choking incident, he was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed his death was due to physical asphyxiation caused by airway obstruction, according to Brazilian news outlet G1 Globo.

Family Demands Accountability

Kimberly Santos has publicly accused the resort of negligence, stating that the staff failed to respond adequately during the emergency. She claimed that a nurse eventually arrived but did not attempt any medical intervention on Carlos. Kimberly expressed frustration that her husband lay on the ground for approximately 30 minutes before firefighters arrived to take him to the UPA (Emergency Care Unit).

Witnesses reported chaos during the incident, with guests shouting for someone to perform the Heimlich maneuver. One guest, believed to be a doctor, attempted to assist Carlos by performing CPR. “It took about 25 minutes for the firefighters to arrive,” one attendee recounted.

Kimberly noted that Carlos’s height of 5 feet 11 inches made the low table particularly hazardous for the contest. She plans to pursue legal action against the resort, blaming them for not recognizing the potential dangers of the game.

Resort Response and Context of Choking Incidents

The Sao Pedro Thermas Resort has rejected the accusations, asserting that Carlos was alive when he was taken to the hospital. A spokesperson stated, “We are in direct contact with the family, offering all the necessary support and comfort during this time of great sadness.” They emphasized their solidarity with the family while respecting the privacy of those involved.

Choking incidents during eating competitions are not uncommon. Recently, a man in Italy died after choking on a piece of panettone. Such tragedies highlight the importance of safety precautions during competitive eating events and the need for quick medical responses in emergencies.

As the family mourns the loss of Carlos, who leaves behind four children aged between four months and 14 years, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with seemingly harmless contests.