Actor David Carradine died of ‘autoerotic asphyxia’ – a medical way of saying he was trying to stimulate himself sexually (‘autoerotic’) by depriving his brain of oxygen (‘asphyxia’), when something went terribly wrong, and the asphyxia ended up killing him. The 71-year old actor was found in a Thai hotel with ropes around his neck and his genitals.

It’s not a pretty way to die. Most people who practice ‘autoerotic asphyxiation’ (fortunately, very few) are, like Carradine, discovered only when they die. Often, they will be naked and have smothering/strangulating gear around their neck and pornographic material around. Their family, in shock, will usually clean up before the police or medics come to the scene, and the dealth may be recorded as a suicide.

Oxygen deprivation is supposed to create a hightened orgasm, and those who practice ‘autoerotic asphyxia’ generally rig contraptions to kick in after they are asphyxiated to prevent them from strangling or smothering to death. But it is a risky practice and things go wrong – often.

I find it scary that now many people will be googling ‘autoerotic asphyxia’ and may even stumble on results that give you instructions on how to try it out.

Parents, beware.

One more reason to never let your child surf the internet alone.

Read more:

1. Game to teach children internet safety

2. How to manage your internet-savvy child

3. Women who date men they meet on the internet are likely to be assaulted

4. Internet service providers block websites promoting child porn