Food Influencer Dies After Eating Toxic ‘Devil Crab’ For Social Media Clout

Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 19:52 IST

During an investigation, local officials discovered the brightly coloured shells of devil crabs in her trash, confirming the suspected source of poisoning.

A Filipino food vlogger died after allegedly consuming a poisonous “devil crab" while filming content for social media in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The deceased, identified as 51-year-old Emma Amit and her friends harvested shellfish in a mangrove forest near near her coastal hometown on February 4. She later filmed herself cooking the seafood in coconut milk and eating it for her followers on TikTok and Facebook, New York Post reported.

The next day Amit fell severely ill due to toxins from the crab. Witnesses said she suffered convulsions and lost consciousness, while her lips reportedly turned dark blue. As her condition worsened, she was rushed to a hospital. Despite medical efforts, she died on February 6, two days after consuming the shellfish.

During an investigation, local officials discovered the brightly coloured shells of devil crabs in her trash, confirming the suspected source of poisoning.

Laddy Gemang, chief of Luzviminda village, expressed shock at Amit’s death, noting that she and her husband were experienced fishers.

“This is really saddening because they should have known," Gemang said, adding, “They live by the sea, so I know they know about this devil crab that’s dangerous to eat. So why did she eat it? That is what I’m confused about."

Gemang further issued an urgent warning to residents of Puerto Princesa.

“So to the residents of Puerto Princesa, I am urging you to be doubly vigilant," Gemand warned. “Do not eat these dangerous devil crabs because they have claimed two lives here in our town. Don’t gamble with your lives."

Officials said they were also monitoring the deceased’s friends for symptoms.

Devil crabs, also known as toxic reef crabs, inhabit coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific region. Experts warn that they contain powerful neurotoxins such as saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin — the same poison found in pufferfish. According to the Smithsonian Institution, these toxins are not destroyed by cooking and can cause paralysis and death within hours.

News world Food Influencer Dies After Eating Toxic ‘Devil Crab’ For Social Media Clout

Read More