2 teens die in 'choking game'; cops warn parents

August 13, 2010 5:10 AM

Two recent deaths of teenage girls involving the "choking game" are under investigation by Chicago police.

Specific details about the deaths are sketchy but involve elements police say concern them.

A community alert was issued Thursday evening warning parents about the potentially deadly game some children are playing to get a "euphoric" feeling by temporarily depriving the brain of oxygen. They accomplish this by applying pressure to the neck until they pass out.

A police detective said one case involves a teen who died two weeks ago. He said it wasn't until yesterday when a second case came to investigators' attention that police thought it might be more than an isolated event.

"We are still waiting for more information on the cases, but after the second one we are taking this very seriously. They were very promising people who died, and we want to get word out right away this is extremely dangerous," he said.

The detective said he believed children may be playing the game because it's not illegal, as are drugs or underage drinking.

"They don't want to get in trouble," he said, "so they're trying to get a high. It's not new for kids trying to get that feeling, but it's got deadly consequences. This can become an addictive behavior."

The detective couldn't be specific about the cases because they involved minors.

"We're very concerned and are asking parents to watch for any signs they might be doing this," he said.

Teens have been finding information--and instructions--about the game on the Internet for some years. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 82 deaths attributed to the choking game and other strangulation activities during the period 1995-2007. Most victims were adolescent males 11 to 16 years old.

The Chicago police alert noted several symptoms children might display indicating they have been playing the game.

• Strange bruising or red marks around the neck
• Bloodshot eyes
• Bed sheets, belts, T-shirts, ties, or ropes tied in strange knots and/or found in unusual places
• Visiting Web sites or chat rooms mentioning asphyxiation or the choking game
• Curiousity about asphyxiation (asking questions like "how does it feel?" or "what happens if?")
• Locked or blocked bedroom or bathroom doors
• Frequent, often severe headaches
• Changes in attitude; becoming more aggressive
• Wear marks on furniture (bunk beds or closet rods)

Police urge parents who believe their children might be playing the game to talk to them about the danger and seek additional help if necessary.

From: http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/08/2-teens-die-in-choking-game-cops-warn-parents.html