Father died 'after downing whole bottle of tequila for a bet'

The man bet a group at a nightclub that he could down a whole bottle of tequila. Photo / 123rf

A 23-year-old Dominican man has died of alcohol poisoning after reportedly downing a whole bottle of tequila in one go for a $900 bet.

Kelvin Rafael Mejía approached a group at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic and bet that he could down a whole bottle of the Mexican alcohol, according to local media reports.

Mejía completed the challenge and received his winnings of 30,000 pesos (NZ$900).

But minutes later he became unable to stand and the young man collapsed in the club's toilets and later died in hospital. The medical examiner confirmed that Mejía had died of alcohol intoxication.

Local news outlet El Día reported that Mejía had a two month old daughter.

A video of the 23-year-old's challenge has been shared extensively on social media.

The clip shows other nightclubbers at Vacca Lounge cheering Mejía on as he drinks, while others film him.

Elis Gómez, the owner of the nightclub in the city of La Romana has distanced himself from the event.

The nightclub owner told news agency EFE that Mejía, a regular at the club, took it upon himself to bet a group he could complete the challenge.

Local police have closed Vacca Lounge temporarily so that an investigation can be carried out into Mejía's death.

However no arrests have been made.

The aunt of Mejía, Sandra Perozo, said that his death should serve as an example to young people that "not everyone who says they are a friend is really your friend."

This article originally appeared on the Daily Telegraph.