Boy killed in 'choking game' prompts warnings about dangerous practice

April 29, 2010 | 7:45 am

The death of a 12-year-old Santa Monica boy who was playing a choking game has experts warning about the dangerous practice.

The goal of the game -- also known as "space monkey," "sleeper hold" and "funky chicken" -- is to restrict the blood flow to the brain and cause a quick euphoric sensation.

To accomplish it alone, a necktie, belt or other type of binding are used to put pressure on the carotid artery in the neck. The other method involves using a partner, who can apply pressure to the neck or chest until the subject passes out.

Officers found the boy in full cardiac arrest April 20 at his home in the 800 block of 18th Street after receiving an emergency call. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was taken off life support two days later and pronounced dead, the Santa Monica Police Department said.

The boy, who was playing the game by himself, tied a rope to his neck and attached it to a device in the home, police said.

"It didn't break free and he ended up cutting off the blood flow and oxygen to his brain," said Sgt. Jay Trisler, adding that the case was being investigated as an accidental death.

Det. Maury Sumlin, of the Santa Monica Police Department, told KTLA News an autopsy and interviews with friends led to that conclusion. Police say the case is being investigated as an accidental death.

Officials at the boy's school said they planned to talk to parents about the issue soon. The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District notified students and parents at the school about the boy's death April 21 but called it only a "tragic accident." District Superintendent Tim Cuneo told KTLA there was no indication the game had become a trend among students.

From: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/04/boy-killed-in-choking-game-prompts-warnings-about-dangerous-practice.html