Apparently Robert had found a 40mm shell on a hunting trip years ago. Using opaque reasoning, Robert figured the round must be inert, and kept it. Not only did he keep it, he used it as a nifty paperweight on his desk at school. Surely such a unique decoration would start many interesting conversations. Perhaps so, but more notably it made Robert a ticking time bomb for a Darwin Award.

One day, Robert spotted a bug crawling across his desk. Did he squash it with a tissue and dispose of it? Sweep it out the door and continue with his lesson? Ignore it and leae it to its happy existence? No, he did not. Instead, Robert picked up the five-inch shell and slammed it down on the unhappy insect. The impact set off the primer, and the resulting explosion caused severe burns and lacerations to his hand, and minor shrapnel wounds to his forearms and torso. No one else in the classroom was hurt.

To Robert's consolation, his actions did succeed in eliminating the bug. I considered sending Robert a can of bug spray for future use, but bug spray is flammable...

Sumbitted over 50 times. Sources:
pending20060405-054005.html,
pending20060405-234318.html

Submitted on 04/04/2006

Submitted by: Tyler Stover, Alan Byard, Travis George (Fred, martin yates, Adria
Reference: cnn.com, San Mateo Daily News,

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
I like this original write-up on the "squashing the bug with the shell" story, and wish for Darwin to see it! Thanks, Tyler!

Sheryl said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
Thanks, Tyler, I love the write up. If only all the submissions we got were like that! I'll second James, I want Darwin to see this too.

The Darwin Awards Gift Shop

The Darwin Awards Condom Keep yourself out of the gene pool! A condom in a matchbook, useful for emergency contraception, bachelor parties, frat parties, and important rites of passage. LOADED inside and out with funny quotes and stories. Everyone loves this item! Friends don't let friends reproduce! $13 for Pack of 4