Man Chokes to Death During Watermelon-Eating Contest as Wife Watches in Horror

A festive family getaway in Brazil turned into a nightmare when a father of four choked to death during a watermelon-eating contest — collapsing in front of horrified resort guests and his wife.

Carlos Cerasomma, 37, was taking part in a seemingly harmless game at the upscale São Pedro Thermas Resort on December 11. The challenge? Devour a slice of watermelon as fast as possible — no hands allowed — to win a small prize of French fries.

But what started as a lighthearted competition spiraled into chaos within seconds. Witnesses say Cerasomma suddenly gasped for air and fell forward onto the table as the crowd screamed for help.

“It was terrifying,” one onlooker told G1 Globo. “They yelled, asking if anyone knew the Heimlich. People were crying and panicking. A guest who said she was a doctor tried CPR while we waited for help — it felt like forever.”

For nearly 25 agonizing minutes, resort guests desperately tried to save him before firefighters arrived. Cerasomma was rushed to a nearby hospital but pronounced dead shortly after. The official cause of death was listed as asphyxiation due to airway obstruction.

His wife, Kimberly Santos, said she watched helplessly as her husband stopped responding — just seconds after a staff member told him there was only “one piece left.” She believes the setup itself contributed to his death.

“The table was too low for his height,” she said. “He had to lean awkwardly, which made it harder to breathe. There was no emergency medical team. The lifeguards didn’t know what to do.”

Santos now plans to take legal action against the resort, claiming negligence and a complete lack of medical preparedness.

“The recreation staff froze. A nurse arrived but didn’t even try to help,” she said through tears. “Carlos deserved better — no one should die over a piece of fruit.”

The São Pedro Thermas Resort released a statement expressing “deep regret,” saying the father of four was transported to the hospital alive and that the resort is “offering full support” to his grieving family.

What was meant to be a fun day at a luxury resort ended in tragedy — a chilling reminder that even the simplest games can turn deadly in an instant.