Man Dies After Hot Dog Eating Contest
- 10 years ago
A man in South Dakota tragically passed away after taking part in a hot dog eating contest. On Thursday afternoon, 47-year-old Walter Eagle Tail started to choke while speedily consuming the hot dogs in front of a crowd in Custer.
The annual hot dog eating contest is a popular event in Custer, South Dakota.
However this year’s contest was tragic, as a man passed away after taking part in the competition. On Thursday afternoon, 47-year-old Walter Eagle Tail started to choke while speedily consuming the hot dogs.
Paramedics rushed to the scene and did their best to save him. They transported him to Custer Regional Hospital, but sadly, he passed away a short time later. The cause of death is listed as asphyxiation.
Custer County Sheriff Rick Wheeler said “Basically, he probably just suffocated. It got lodged in his throat and they couldn't get it out. It all happened within minutes. I think everybody was pretty well shocked about it."
This is the first time anyone has died at the annual eating contest, which is put on by the Custer Area Chamber of Commerce.
Event organizers cancelled a pie eating contest scheduled for the day after the traumatic incident. It’s not known if any changes will be made to the contest for next year.
The annual hot dog eating contest is a popular event in Custer, South Dakota.
However this year’s contest was tragic, as a man passed away after taking part in the competition. On Thursday afternoon, 47-year-old Walter Eagle Tail started to choke while speedily consuming the hot dogs.
Paramedics rushed to the scene and did their best to save him. They transported him to Custer Regional Hospital, but sadly, he passed away a short time later. The cause of death is listed as asphyxiation.
Custer County Sheriff Rick Wheeler said “Basically, he probably just suffocated. It got lodged in his throat and they couldn't get it out. It all happened within minutes. I think everybody was pretty well shocked about it."
This is the first time anyone has died at the annual eating contest, which is put on by the Custer Area Chamber of Commerce.
Event organizers cancelled a pie eating contest scheduled for the day after the traumatic incident. It’s not known if any changes will be made to the contest for next year.