A man has died after participating in a pie eating competition held State of Origin night at the Bushland Beach Tavern in Northern Queensland. 64 year old Bushland Beach man Bruce Holland choked during a pie eating competition staged to entertain punters at halftime of the telecast and was rushed to hospital shortly after passing out at around 9pm. The avid Maroons supporter was taken to Townsville Hospital where he died at approximately 10.30pm. The exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed however it is believed that Mr. Holland suffered a heart attack.
Members of the close-knit Bushland Beach community have expressed grief, shock and disbelief at having lost a man they described as jovial and kind.
“He has been a regular patron for quite a few years and loved his football,” said Bushland Beach Tavern publican Arthur McMahon. “He was there to have an enjoyable night and it is such a tragic and unfortunate thing to have happened. He was well known to the whole of Bushie Beach.”
A friend who witnessed Mr. Holland’s final moments said his last words were “Jeez, this chilli pie is hot.”
Via The Courier Mail
