Family sues after California man dies in taco contest

The son of a California man who died of suffocation during an amateur club competition at a secondary league baseball game is suing the event’s organizers for negligence

FRESNO, California – The son of a Californian who died of suffocation during an amateur club competition at a secondary league baseball game is suing the event’s organizers for negligence.

Marshall Hutchings’ 18-year-old lawsuit, opened on Monday, alleges that his father, Dana Hutchings, was not informed of the risks and dangers involved in a gastronomic competition, Fresno Bee reported.

The 41-year-old man died after choking on tacos while competing in the contest during a Fresno Grizzlies game on August 13, 2019. Participants competed to devour as many tacos as possible over a period of time.

The suit names Fresno Sports and Events, the owner of the Grizzlies.

“We will not make any public comments,” Grizzlies President Derek Frank said in an email.

Competitive eating sport professionals train and physically prepare to participate, said Hutchings’ lawyer, Martin Taleisnik.

“But that is not always present in an amateur food contest,” said Taleisnik. “The drivers of this event should have informed the competitors of the risks and taken steps to protect them.”

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