‘Life of the party’: Man dies after winning twisted competition at ‘Midnight Madness’ event, and the prize makes it even more tragic

An eating contest in Florida ended in tragedy when 32-year-old Edward Archbold choked to death after eating dozens of live cockroaches. He won a python that he would never get to keep. The incident happened during the Midnight Madness event at the Ben Siegel Reptile Store in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

According to Express, Edward Archbold, who lived in West Palm Beach, collapsed and started vomiting right after finishing the final round of the contest. A county medical examiner later confirmed that Archbold died from choking. His airway was blocked by parts of the roaches and stomach contents.

Medical examiner Craig T. Mallak explained what happened to the Associated Press. He said the body has a protective measure called the epiglottis, which is supposed to stop objects from entering the lungs. Mallak said, “Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work.” Video footage showed Archbold “trying to swallow and breathe at the same time. We can’t do both simultaneously.”

The contest had a shocking outcome no one expected

The contest had several rounds featuring different kinds of insects. In the final round, participants ate roaches that were three or four inches long. About 30 people took part in the event, but no other illnesses were reported among the contestants.

Archbold was competing for a female python. His girlfriend, Natasha Proffitt, confirmed he planned to give it to a friend. Proffitt also mentioned that Archbold had eaten bugs before, so this wasn’t his first time doing something like this. Tragically, choking deaths can happen in unexpected situations, as seen in other unusual emergency cases across the country.

The owner of the reptile shop, Ben Siegel, told the Mirror that he felt terrible about what happened. He remembered Edward fondly, describing him as the “life of the party.” Siegel said, “He looked like he just wanted to show off and was very nice.” Archbold’s colleagues at Busch Canvas and Interiors, where he worked for four years, also shared their thoughts. 

Kim Crawford, a co-owner, described him as a “smart, good guy” who was “really good friends to people.” Crawford said the medical results brought “a little closure because not knowing always puts that question mark out there.” While some people seek thrills through extreme contests, others pursue dangerous paths in different ways, like those involved in major criminal operations.

A lawyer representing the reptile store confirmed that every contestant had signed disclaimers before competing. These waivers meant that contestants were “accepting responsibility for their participation in this unique and unorthodox contest.”