College Student Tragically Dies After Choking During Pancake-Eating Contest

No one saw this one coming.

Caitlin Nelson, a 20-year-old college student in Fairfield, Connecticut, tragically passed away on Sunday after choking to death during her sorority's pancake-eating contest three days prior.

According to the Daily Mail, Nelson was participating in the contest to raise money for something close to her heart: Prevent Child Abuse America. Sadly, after eating four or five pancakes, she "suddenly fell to the floor and starting shaking uncontrollably."

Nursing students and paramedics tried to help her, but unfortunately, too much damage was already done.

“Our officers were on the scene quickly,” Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara told People. “They recognized the gravity of the situation immediately and desperately and heroically tried to clear her airway. Tragically, the obstruction was not easily cleared and that lack of oxygen for that amount of time ultimately caused severe damage.”

Nelson was taken to a local hospital, but sadly, she couldn't be saved. A memorial was held in her honor with thousands in attendance at Sacred Heart University. 

“It’s a tragic event that started out as something fun,” Fairfield police Lt. Bob Kalamara said. "It was just a tragic accident.”

According to CBS, Nelson's father, James Nelson, was a New Jersey police officer who was killed during the 9/11 attacks while trying to save others from a burning building. 

But interestingly enough, Nelson wasn't the only one that died that day from an eating competition. Travis Malouff, 42, passed out in a Voodoo Doughnut lobby in Denver, Colorado, after "obstructing his airway" with too many donuts.

Lesson learned: do not participate in eating competitions. We send our love to the families affected.