MIAMI (AP) - A contestant in a roach-eating contest who downed dozens of live bugs and worms collapsed and died shortly after winning the contest in South Florida, authorities say.
About 30 contestants ingested the insects during Friday night's contest at Ben Siegel Reptile Store in Deerfield Beach about 40 miles north of Miami. The grand prize was a python.
Edward Archbold, 32, of West Palm Beach became ill shortly after the contest ended and collapsed outside the store, according to a Broward Sheriff's Office statement released Monday. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Authorities were awaiting results of an autopsy to determine a cause of death.
The sheriff's office said none of the other contestants fell ill.
"Unless the roach were contaminated with some bacteria or other pathogens, I don't think that cockroach would be unsafe to eat," said Michael Adams, professor of entomology at the University of California at Riverside. He said he has never heard of someone dying after consuming roach.
"Some people do have allergies to roach," he added, "but there are no toxins in roach or related insects."
There was no updated phone number listed for Archbold in West Palm Beach.
"We feel terribly awful," said store owner Ben Siegel, who added that Archbold did not appear to be sick before the contest.
"He looked like he just wanted to show off and was very nice," Siegel said, adding that Archbold was "the life of the party."
A statement from Siegel's attorney said all the participants signed waivers "accepting responsibility for their participation in this unique and unorthodox contest."
The bugs consumed were from an inventory of insects "that are safely and domestically raised in a controlled environment as food for reptiles."
Monday, May 20 2013 8:37 PM EDT2013-05-21 00:37:54 GMT
A severe storm system is sparking tornadoes in Oklahoma.
A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods with winds up to 200 mph. At least 37 people were reported killed.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:11 PM EDT2013-05-21 00:11:48 GMT
Toledo Police have shut down southbound I-75 between Anthony Wayne Trail and South due to a serious accident. We're told it is a rollover crash. At least one man was seriously injured when he was ejected
I-75 remains closed between Anthony Wayne Trail and South as of 7:30 p.m. Monday evening after a serious accident.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:37 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:37:02 GMT
Portions of Moore, Oklahoma were ravaged by a mile-wide tornado this Monday afternoon. This follows a near-record quiet start to tornado season. Strong storms may reach northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan by Tuesday.
Portions of Moore, Oklahoma were ravaged by a mile-wide tornado this Monday afternoon. This follows a near-record quiet start to tornado season. Strong storms may reach northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan by Tuesday.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:14 PM EDT2013-05-21 00:14:35 GMT
Severe weather is sweeping areas of the plains states. At least one person is dead and more storms are on the way today. ISOH/IMPACT is preparing to help those affected by the spring storms in Texas
A large tornado roared through the southern part of Oklahoma City and Moore, Oklahoma Monday afternoon. Damage is extensive. Video showed blocks of flattened homes and vehicles tossed upside down.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:13 PM EDT2013-05-21 00:13:34 GMT
Monday's powerful tornado in suburban Oklahoma City loosely followed the path of a killer twister that slammed the region in May 1999. The National Weather Service estimated that the storm that struck
Monday's powerful tornado in suburban Oklahoma City loosely followed the path of a killer twister that slammed the region in May 1999.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:41 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:41:39 GMT
The warmer weather bring out all of the bugs. Today begins the Toledo Area Sanitary District's battle with mosquitos. Both rainfall and temperature play a role in how many mosquitos we'll have this
The Toledo Area Sanitary District has started mosquito control. Monday evening marks the first day of light trapping. Biologists trap mosquitos and then study the numbers and types throughout the county. Free backyard sprays begin this week and neighborhood fogging starts in June. Log on to 13abc.com for details.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:10 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:10:08 GMT
A man was taken to the hospital Monday after a drive-by shooting. It happened in the 1200 block of Belmont. Toledo police say someone inside a black SUV opened fire on a minivan. The driver of the minivan
A man was taken to the hospital Monday after a drive-by shooting. It happened in the 1200 block of Belmont.
Monday, May 20 2013 4:28 PM EDT2013-05-20 20:28:56 GMT
"I want to make sure that we keep focused on the facts and focused on the science," says Jeff Noel, Vice President of Whirlpool Corporation. There are new details in the Clyde Cancer Cluster investigation. Whirlpool
"I want to make sure that we keep focused on the facts and focused on the science," says Jeff Noel, Vice President of Whirlpool Corporation.
Monday, May 20 2013 4:26 PM EDT2013-05-20 20:26:47 GMT
Still no arrests in a deadly home invasion in Waterville Township. A local business owner was shot multiple times in his own home. It happened Saturday. The victim and his girlfriend were home when the
Lucas County Sheriff investigators continue to look for three suspects they say are responsible for the murder of carryout owner James Safadi. He was shot and killed in his Waterville Township home.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:29 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:29:36 GMT
Two Toledo firefighters went to the hospital Monday morning after a fire in West Toledo. It happened in the 3600 block of Berkerly near Berdan. One was treated for a minor burn and the other for heat
Two Toledo firefighters went to the hospital Monday morning after a fire in West Toledo. It happened in the 3600 block of Berkerly near Berdan. One was treated for a minor burn and the other for heat exhaustion. 13abc is told the injured firefighters were treated returned to duty Monday.
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