³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

A 37-year-old woman choked to death after taking part in a marshmallow eating competition at a rugby club, an inquest has heard.

Natalie Buss collapsed and died shortly after competing onstage at a Beddau RFC fundraising evening on 7 October.

Coroner Patricia Morgan heard the competition involved fitting as many marshmallows in her mouth as possible.

The inquest in Pontypridd was opened and adjourned to allow an investigation into the full circumstances.

Ms Morgan was told that Ms Buss appeared to be choking and CPR was carried out until paramedics arrived, but she could not be revived and died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination carried out at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, gave a provisional cause of death as "pending further investigation".

Coroner's officer Catherine Burnell told the inquest: "On 7 October, Natalie Buss was taking part in a charity event at Beddau rugby club where she took part in a competition to fit the most marshmallows in their mouth.

"At the end of the event, Natalie left the stage and collapsed in a corridor area. She appeared to be choking."

Flowers have been laid at Beddau RFC following her death and the club said it was devastated at "the loss of a lady who was a wonderful wife, mother and daughter".

South Wales Police is investigating Ms Buss's death and there is also an investigation by Rhondda Cynon Taf council as the health and safety regulator.

Ms Morgan said: "I express my condolences to the family of Natalie Buss at this tragic time."