A man has died after collapsing during a pie-eating contest at a pub in Queensland's northeast.
Bruce Holland, 64, was one of eight people who took part in the competition at the Bushland Beach Tavern at Townsville on Wednesday night during the State of Origin rugby league match.
He collapsed while eating a chilli pie and was rushed to Townsville Hospital but died at around 10:30 pm (AEST).
Arthur McMahon - representative of the Lillywhite Hotel Group which owns the tavern - said Mr Holland was a well-respected local who had been going to the pub for more than three years.
"It was a very sad day today, as he was a very well-respected person down there," he told AAP on Thursday.
"Whenever he was there, he always had lots of company and friends."
Mr McMahon said there had been a merry atmosphere at the pub before Mr Holland collapsed.
"It was half-time during the game, and we had the big screen out the back, and everyone was having a very enjoyable time," he said.
"It's one of those tragedies that just happens - it was very difficult for us to know whether it was something that could have been avoided."
Mr McMahon said it was hoped more would be known following investigations, including whether Mr Holland had a medical condition.
Mr Holland was a resident of the nearby suburb of Beach Holm.
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