Local Man Dies From Embarrassment

Philadelphia, PA-- A middle-aged man from Philadelphia literally dropped dead from embarrassment yesterday while he was out food-shopping. Medical scientists believe it is the first documented case of death from the common emotion. It also proves that the old saying 'to die from embarrassment' really can happen.

Police sources say Mr. Eddie Spaghetti was in the Toke N Poke food store when the bizarre death occurred. The doomed man was about to pay for his groceries when he suddenly discovered that he had left his wallet at home.

"He just got very flustered and his face turned a bright red." said store clerk Loretta Ebonics. "People forget to bring their wallets a lot of time, it was no big deal--he didn't have to die like that." she sadly said. Paramedics were immediately called to the store and found Mr. Spaghetti to be in extreme shock. He was bright red from head to foot, and also had a body temperature of almost 200 degrees. "He died of course." said a paramedic. "He was so red from embarrassment we thought his head would explode." Medical scientists believe the strange case may not be isolated. "We live in very stressful times." noted one researcher. "Sudden death from extreme emotions is becoming more common--everyone needs to just chill and relax."