Man Dies Following Taco-Eating Contest At Minor League Baseball Game In California

A man lost his life after participating in a taco eating contest at a California minor league baseball game.

The contest took place at Chukchansi Park, which is home to the Washington Nationals' triple-a minor league Fresno Grizzlies in California. During the game against the Memphis Redbirds, the Grizzlies held a taco eating contest ahead of a taco-themed night on Saturday. One of the participants was 41-year-old Dana Hutchings, who collapsed while competing.

Shortly after collapsing, Hutchings was rushed to the nearby Community Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment. However, he was pronounced dead at the medical center shortly after arriving. An autopsy has been scheduled for Thursday to determine the cause of death.

“As of now, I just have that a man participating in a taco-eating contestant at the Fresno Grizzlies game died shortly after arriving to the hospital last night,” Fresno County Sheriff’s spokesperson Tony Botti told press. “We are not ruling a cause of death yet.”

Fresno Grizzlies president Derek Franks also issued a statement on the situation, saying:

“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. We will work closely with local authorities and provide any helpful information that is requested.”

In the wake of the Hutchings’ death, the Grizzlies will hold its taco-centric night on Saturday, though they will not be holding any sort of competitive eating event.