Police Warn Parents About Dangers of Teen "Choking Game"

The pain and grief can be felt in each and every message.

"This just seems like one big nightmare," Ashley Bernardo wrote on the Facebook page RIP Rebekah Lynn Toia, You'll Never Be Forgotten. ""I can't even imagine how the rest of my life is going to be without my best friend. I love you and I always will."

Toia, a student at Whitney Young High School, died on August 10, 2010 from self-inflicted asphyxiation. She choked her self to death.

Police say its a dangerous game that leads to needless deaths.

"In the 'choking game' participants attempt to experience a euphoric feeling by temporarily depriving the brain of oxygen by applying pressure to the neck until they pass out," a community alert press release from the Chicago Police states.

Participants wrap belts or ties around their neck and try hanging from fixed locations.

Toia, who will be laid to rest Friday at Cumberland Chapels Funeral Home in Norridge, Illinois, isn't the first to die from this game. Another commenter, Violette Amato, says her daughter suffered the same fate just last month. 

"My daughter Angelena died from this on July 31, 2010," Amato writes. "Just 2 weeks ago. Kids, the devastation and heartbreak by our family and friends is unbearable. My heart goes out to her parents, family and friends."

The game has become such a danger that police are asking parents to be on the look out for potential chokers.

They released warning signs to help parents spot any abnormal behavior in their children.

• 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
• Curiosity about asphyxiation (asking questions like "How does it feel?" or "What happens if?")
• Disorientation and/or grogginess after being alone
• 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)

Parents are urged to call Area 5 Detectives at 312-746-8282 if they have any questions. 

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