West Palm Beach Man Dies After Competing In Roach Eating Contest
DEERFIELD BEACH (CBS4) - Some exotic cuisines leave diners with a bad stomach, but what one man consumed in Deerfield Beach Friday night may have been his demise.
Edward Archbold, 32, died after participating in a roach eating contest at Ben Siegel Reptile Store. He was competing for the first prize of a Python.
Archbold and several other contestants signed up to eat various types of insects for a chance to win the snake. Archbold was named the winner of the contest, but shortly after complained of a stomach ailment. The Broward Sheriff's Office said Archbold began to throw up the roaches and worms he ate before collapsing in front of the store.
He was transported to Broward Health North, where he was pronounced dead.
Officials said none of the other participants complained of illness.
Archbold's body was taken to the Broward County Coroners Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
On Monday, Ben Siegel Reptile Store released this statement:
"All participants in the contest were entirely aware of what they were doing and that they signed thorough waivers accepting responsibility for their participation in this unique and unorthodox contest. The consumption of insects is widely accepted throughout the world, and the insects presented as part of the contest were taken form an inventory of insects that are safely and domestically raised in a controlled environment as food for reptiles. Once Mr. Archbold showed signs of distress, his companion represented that he had summoned emergency personnel and was going to immediately take him to the hospital. Moments later, Mr.Siegel made an independent call to 911 and Mr. Archbold was administered CPR. Mr. Siegel and his staff did all that anyone could to try and help Mr. Archbold, and they send out their deepest sympathy to the family."
