VIBURNUM, Mo. - A man from Bixby died while trying to swallow a live fish, police said. Investigators said Todd Poller, 45, was apparently drinking with friends all day Saturday near Neal's Creek, about six miles outside Viburnum in Iron County.

Poller's friends reported him yelling, "Hey, watch this," before he grabbed a 5-inch perch from the water and dropping it headfirst into his mouth, Iron County Sheriff Alan Mathes said. Poller began choking and gasping for air. The sheriff said the others tried to dislodge the fish and perform the Heimlich maneuver. Poller was pronounced dead when emergency crews arrived.

An autopsy found that Poller died from asphyxiation from having the fish lodged in his throat. Viburnum is about 75 miles southwest of St. Louis.

Submitted on 12/03/2010

Submitted by: Steve Smith
Reference: Associated Press Thursday, May 17, 2001

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Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
"Hey, watch this" is practically the motto of DA winners. Thanks, Steve!

Candi said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
Sigh. Why do people never think...?

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