Tragic Death of Food Influencer After Consuming Toxic “Devil Crab” in the Philippines

Emma Amit, a 51-year-old food content creator, tragically passed away after ingesting a venomous crustacean commonly referred to as the “devil crab.” The incident occurred shortly after she filmed herself eating the rare and poisonous shellfish, which led to a rapid and fatal poisoning.

Fatal Encounter with a Venomous Shellfish

On February 4, Emma and her companions were foraging for crabs and other shellfish in a mangrove forest near her residence in Palawan Province, Philippines. During this excursion, she captured footage of herself cheerfully consuming the devil crab, unaware of the lethal toxins it contained.

Rapid Onset of Symptoms and Hospitalization

Within less than 24 hours, Emma began experiencing severe symptoms as the neurotoxins from the crab entered her bloodstream. Witnesses reported that she suffered convulsions before being rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite medical intervention, her condition deteriorated quickly, and she was declared dead on February 6, just two days after consuming the toxic crustacean.

Community Reaction and Warnings

Laddy Gemang, the chief of Luzviminda Village, expressed deep concern over the incident, urging residents to avoid taking risks by eating dangerous marine creatures. He found the death particularly perplexing given that Emma and her husband were seasoned fishers familiar with local marine life.

“It’s heartbreaking because they should have been aware of the risks,” Gemang stated. “Both Emma and her husband have lived by the sea and know about the dangers of the devil crab. It’s baffling why she would consume it.”

Authorities conducted an investigation at Emma’s home, where they discovered several discarded shells resembling those of the devil crab. Gemang warned the community to remain vigilant, emphasizing that these toxic crabs have already caused multiple fatalities in the area.

About the Devil Crab: A Deadly Reef Dweller

Devil crabs, also known as toxic reef crabs, inhabit coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region. In the Philippines, they are notorious for their potent venom, which has been responsible for numerous poisoning cases, with mortality rates reaching approximately 50% among those affected.

These crabs are characterized by their bright, vivid shells, which can be mistaken for edible species by the untrained eye. The toxins they carry are neurotoxic, causing severe neurological symptoms that can quickly become life-threatening.

Raising Awareness to Prevent Future Tragedies

This unfortunate event highlights the critical need for increased public education regarding the dangers of consuming unfamiliar marine wildlife. Food influencers and foragers alike should exercise extreme caution and verify the safety of their catches before consumption, especially when handling species known for their toxicity.

According to recent data from the Philippine Department of Health, poisoning incidents related to toxic marine animals have seen a slight increase over the past five years, underscoring the urgency of community awareness and preventive measures.

Watch the Video

Below is the video footage showing Emma Amit consuming the devil crab, which has since sparked widespread discussion about the risks of chasing social media fame through dangerous food challenges.