A 32-year-old man collapsed and died after winning a snake in a cockroach-eating contest.
Edward Archbold was taking part in the "Eat Bugs For Balls" competition held at the Ben Siegel Reptile Store in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
The event promised a female ivory ball python to the winner - which was announced as Archbold, who gamely chomped his way through "dozens" of worms and cockroaches.
Edward Archbold collapsed and died after eating 'dozens' of cockroaches
According to a statement released by Broward Sheriff's Office, Archbold became ill and collapsed in front of the store. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
"Archbold’s body was transported to the Broward Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. They are awaiting test results in order to determine a cause of death."
"Unless the roaches were contaminated with some bacteria or other pathogens, I don't think that cockroaches would be unsafe to eat," Michael Adams, professor of entomology at the University of California at Riverside, told The Telegraph.
Professor Adams said he had never heard of someone dying after consuming roaches, and added: "Some people do have allergies to roaches, but there are no toxins in roaches or related insects."
"Many of you have reached out to ask about the details surrounding Eddie Archbold's passing the night of the Midnight Madness sale, but at this point we are not aware of any specific details. All we know is that sadly he has passed on.
"Please respect the privacy of the family as they try to determine what happened. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Eddie's family in this terrible time. Although we just met Eddie the night of the sale, we all liked him right away. All of us here at Ben Siegel Reptiles are sad that we will not get to know Eddie better, for in the short time we knew him, he was very well liked by all."