Woman, 60, ‘chokes to death on lamington’ during Australia Day celebrations

A 60-year-old woman has reportedly died after she choked whilst taking part in a lamington-eating competition on Australia Day.

The woman is believed to have been taking part in the contest at The Beach House Hotel in Hervey Bay, Queensland, at around 2pm yesterday when she suffered a seizure after choking on the cake, reports 7News.

According to the news outlet, bar staff and paramedics tried to resuscitate the woman using CPR and defibrillators before she was rushed to Hervey Bay Hospital. However she sadly passed away on Sunday evening.

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According to AAP, one witness wrote on Facebook:”Sadly a lady died during the lamington eating competition….very sad day. This lady shovelled the lamington into her mouth with no restraint….inhaled the coconut and arrested.

“The pub was very quick to respond with CPR, and the ambulance rocked up soon but working on her over half a hour it didn’t look good.”

However, others have since claimed that the reports are incorrect, suggesting instead that the woman suffered a cardiac arrest at the venue.

One man, who claims to have witnessed the incident, wrote on Twitter: “Incorrect.. she had a cardiac arrest whilst waiting in line for the lamington eating competition. I was there.”

Queensland Police are currently investigating the incident and will pass their findings to the coroner.

Many people expressed their sympathies to the woman’s family on social media, following the shocking news. One person wrote: “What an Australian way to go! But really, how very random & tragic, so sad for her life to come to an end at her young age, & for her family to now be without her.”

Another said: “How dreadfully sad for her family and friends. Sending my deepest sympathy.” While another commented: “Very very sad for her family.”