A heartbreaking story has gone viral from the Philippines: popular local food influencer Emma Amit died just two days after eating a highly toxic “devil crab” while filming content in a mangrove forest.
On February 4, 2026, Emma and friends were gathering shellfish and crabs near Luzviminda Village in Puerto Princesa. A video captured her smiling as she held up the brightly colored crab and took a bite — apparently for social media. The next day she fell seriously ill, suffered seizures, and was rushed to hospital. She was declared dead on February 6.
Devil crabs (also known locally as highly poisonous mangrove crabs) contain potent neurotoxins. Roughly half of all reported poisoning cases in the Philippines are fatal. Locals who regularly forage in these areas usually know to avoid them.
Laddy Gemang, chief of Luzviminda Village, expressed both sadness and confusion:
“This is really saddening because they should have known… So why did she eat it? That is what I’m confused about.”
Officials later found several discarded shells of the same brightly colored crabs at Emma’s home. The village chief issued a strong public warning:
“Do not eat these dangerous devil crabs because they have claimed two lives here in our town. Don’t gamble with your lives.”
The incident has sparked renewed discussion about the risks of viral food challenges and the pressure content creators sometimes face to try extreme or dangerous local delicacies for views.
Key Takeaway
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that not every “exotic” or visually striking seafood is safe to eat — especially when foraging in mangroves. Traditional local knowledge exists for good reason.
Amit, who lived with her husband as a fisherfolk family near the sea, paid the ultimate price while doing what she loved: sharing food content with her audience.
Rest in peace, Emma. May her story prevent others from making the same fatal mistake.