Filipino TikToker Emma Amit Dies After Filming ‘Devil Crab’ Mukbang — Fatal Neurotoxin Poisoning Suspected
A shocking tragedy has shaken the online food community after Filipino food vlogger Emma Amit, 51, reportedly died just two days after filming a mukbang featuring a highly toxic “devil crab.”
According to reports cited by the New York Post, the incident began on February 4, when Amit joined friends to forage for seafood in a mangrove forest near her home in Puerto Princesa, a coastal town on Palawan Island. In a now-viral video, Amit and her group collected various shellfish and later cooked them in coconut milk.
During the recording, Amit reportedly picked up a brightly colored “devil crab” — known to be highly poisonous — and ate it on camera for viewers. Within a day, her health rapidly deteriorated.
Witnesses said Amit suffered severe seizures while being transported to a local clinic. As her condition worsened, she was rushed to a hospital, where medical staff noted her lips had turned dark purple as she fell into a coma. Despite emergency treatment, she died on February 6, just two days after consuming the toxic crustacean.
Village chief Laddy Gemang of Luzviminda dispatched officials to investigate Amit’s home, where they reportedly discovered several vividly colored devil crab shells in the trash.
According to the Smithsonian Institution, devil crabs inhabit coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific region and may contain extremely potent neurotoxins such as saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin. These toxins can cause muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, and death within hours if ingested.
Local authorities revealed that Amit’s case was not the first fatality linked to devil crab consumption in Puerto Princesa. Gemang expressed shock at the incident, noting that Amit and her husband were experienced fishers.
“It’s heartbreaking. They make their living from the sea — they should have known how dangerous this crab is. I truly don’t understand why she ate it,” he said.
Following the tragedy, officials issued urgent warnings urging residents to avoid unfamiliar crab species, especially those with bright, striking colors.
“Don’t gamble with your life. Devil crabs have already claimed two lives in this town,” Gemang cautioned.
Health authorities are also monitoring individuals who shared the seafood meal with Amit for early signs of poisoning. Her sudden passing has left the local community devastated, with friends describing her death as “shocking and painfully unexpected,” mourning the many plans she had yet to fulfill.
