Baseball fan chokes to death after eating tacos during eating contest

One witness said Dana Hutchings was swallowing the tacos without chewing.

A man has died after choking on tacos during a minor league baseball game eating contest.

Dana Hutchings, 41, collapsed to the ground during the taco-eating competition on Tuesday in Fresno, California.

He was rushed to hospital where medics tried to clear his airway but died shortly after arriving.

Mr Hutchings took part in the event while watching the Fresno Grizzlies baseball team.

Tacos, which are hugely popular in Mexico and the US, are corn or wheat folded tortillas containing fillings such as meat or chicken.

One baseball fan Mathew Boylan, who watched Tuesday’s contest, said he noticed Mr Hutchings because he was eating much faster than the other two contestants.

He claimed Mr Hutchings appeared to be swallowing the tacos without chewing them.

Mr Hutchings reportedly collapsed about seven minutes into the contest and hit his face on a table as he fell to the ground.

The Fresno Grizzlies have cancelled the World Taco Eating Championship, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday.

Club president Derek Franks said: ‘We are devastated to learn that the fan that received medical attention following an event at Tuesday evening’s game has passed away.

‘The Fresno Grizzlies extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family of Mr Hutchings.

‘The safety and security of our fans is our highest priority.’

A spokesman for Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said: ‘Hutchings arrived to the emergency room at 7.57 pm.

‘Medical staff began pulling out food to clear his airway, however, at 8:24 pm he passed away.

‘We do not have a cause of death at this point and it could take some time to determine.’