Watermelon food poisoning! This is the alleged cause of the death of Russian MMA star, Alexander Pisarev. He was member of the Moscow’s Tomahawk team. Unfortunately, he was found in an unconscious state in his apartment by his father on Sunday 30th October 2022. He was just 33 years of age.
Alexander Pisarev and his sudden death
The Russian MMA star, Alexander Pisarev died prematurely on Sunday 30th October 2022. He was just 33 years old. His father, Igor Vladimirovich found him unconscious in his apartment this Sunday. Talking about the incident, Igor Vladimirovich told the local media:
“I looked into the room — Alexander and his wife were sleeping. I came closer and then realised that my son was no longer breathing.”
“There were fractures of the fingers after the last fights, but this is nothing. We all eat the same food, we live together.”
Alexander Pisarev (Source: Marca)Additionally, there are reports that the deceased fighter’s wife is also in hospital. But the details of her hospital stay and health condition are unavailable at the moment. It is said that Akexander, his wife and Akexander’s father shared a flat in Balashikha, a neighborhood in Moscow. Father Igor returned from a stroll at 4 pm and was wanting to invite his son and daughter in law for supper. He checked into their room to find that they both were unconscious. Alexander succumbed while his wife survived the ordeal.
Tribute for Alexander
Alexander was on the Moscow’s Tomahawk team. He had managed to reach the final stage of the MMA European Championships. In his professional career, he had a record of 3-2. In their tribute statement for the lost soul, Tomahawk said:
“My brother, my friend, my student! Words cannot express the extent of the loss.”
“Alexander Pisarev is the standard of friendship, decency and courage of a Russian person. I and we will miss you!!! Rest in peace our brother.”
Watermelon can cause listeriosis (Source: Food poisoning news)An unnamed member of the team told the Russian news agency Tass that the cause of death of Alexander was food poisoning. They added:
“Alexander Pisarev died in his sleep and did not have any chronic health problems,”
Besides watermelon, he had eaten other food types too before his sudden unnatural death. The Twitter account @RussieInfos wrote:
“His trainer Magomed Kamilov told us, he got sick after eating (watermelon),”
Watermelon food poisoning and Listeria
The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes commonly grow in watermelon, honey dew and papaya pulps. These are low acid fruits in which the organisms thrive. The growth can be lessened though not inhibited at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. The bacteria can also infect other foods such as deli meats and hot dogs.
Symptoms of listeriosis (Source: Cleveland Clinic)Symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, irritability, loss of appetite, and seizures. Moreover, deaths can also occur. Symptoms can be worse in people above 65 years of age, pregnant women, and those with low immune system.
Also, read Watermelon seeds: Health benefits and nutrition!
Therefore, it is advised to keep cut watermelon in the refrigerator at temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius for no more than 7 days. This would assist to avoid watermelon food poisoning!