A 37-year-old father of four has died after choking on watermelon during an eating competition at a resort in Brazil, sparking controversy and potential legal action against the hotel.
Carlos Cerasomma was taking part in a game known as “Boca de Melancia” — meaning “Watermelon Mouth” — at the São Pedro Thermas Resort in São Paulo state. The competition involved participants racing to eat as much watermelon as possible with their hands tied behind their backs, with the prize being a single serving of French fries.
Cerasomma, who was competing alongside other resort guests, reportedly became unresponsive while attempting to finish the final piece of watermelon. His wife, Kimberly Santos, said resort staff were encouraging him to continue moments before he collapsed.
He was later taken to hospital, where doctors confirmed that he died from physical asphyxiation caused by airway obstruction, according to Brazilian news outlet G1 Globo.
In a statement, the São Paulo Public Security Secretariat said:
“The victim choked on food and was taken to the Emergency Care Unit (UPA), but did not survive. The case was registered as a suspicious death at the São Pedro Police Station.”
Delayed response and safety concerns raised
An unnamed guest told local media that panic broke out as onlookers realised something was wrong.
“People were shouting and asking if anyone knew how to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre,” the guest said. “A woman, who I believe was a doctor, tried to help. They took turns doing CPR. It took about 25 minutes for firefighters to arrive.”
Kimberly Santos has accused the resort of negligence, claiming there were no medical professionals immediately available and that staff failed to react quickly enough.
She alleged that a nurse arrived later but did not attempt to assist her husband, adding that Cerasomma lay on the ground for around 30 minutes before emergency responders transported him to hospital.
She also raised concerns about the setup of the competition, saying her husband — who stood about 1.8 metres tall — was forced to eat from a low table, placing him in a dangerous position.
Resort denies wrongdoing
The São Pedro Thermas Resort has denied allegations of negligence, stating that Cerasomma was alive when he was taken to hospital.
“The guest was promptly taken to the hospital alive, where, regrettably, he passed away,” a resort spokesperson said.
“We are in direct contact with the family, offering all the necessary support and comfort during this time of great sadness.”
The resort added that it stands in solidarity with the family but declined to answer questions regarding safety protocols for the activity or why the death was initially described as a sudden illness.
Family plans legal action
Kimberly Santos has indicated that she intends to pursue legal action against the resort. Cerasomma, who lived in Araras in São Paulo state, ran his own IT repair business and was reportedly the sole breadwinner for his family.
The tragedy has reignited debate around safety measures at resort-hosted games and the responsibility of establishments to ensure adequate medical preparedness during organised activities.
