SWNS David Mitchell regularly enjoyed a pickled egg with his pint

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David Mitchell collapsed at the bar after taking on the challenge from fellow boozers at the White Hart Inn in Bridestowe, Devon. The retired builder, 66, refused to spit the eggs out despite losing the bet and they quickly became lodged in his throat. Staff and other regulars desperately tried to clear his airways and frantically dialled the emergency services.

GOOGLE Mr Mitchell took on the challenge from fellow boozers at the White Hart Inn

GETTY Mr Mitchell had gone to have his usual Saturday pint

But they claim the eggs became “like cement” and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr Mitchell, of Okehampton in Devon, had gone to his local last September to have his usual Saturday lunchtime pint. The inquest heard three builders in their 20s had issued the challenge to Mr Mitchell, who was affectionately known as Green Grass for his light gardening work, after a light hearted conversation.

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It was pickled eggs wasn’t it? It’s just the sort of thing he would do Wife Carol Mitchell

Barman Barry Wiggins told the court Mr Mitchell had jumped at the chance - but was unable to finish the challenge within the time. After the three builders left, he collapsed to the floor. And sadly efforts to save him failed and he died at the bar, in what the inquest ruled was an accidental death.

SWNS The inquest recorded an accidental death

GOOGLE Mr Mitchell collapsed at the bar of the pub