Erotic asphyxiation variously called asphyxiophilia , hypoxyphilia or breath control play is the intentional restriction of oxygen to the brain for the purposes of sexual arousal. The term autoerotic asphyxiation is used when the act is done by a person to themselves. Colloquially, a person engaging in the activity is sometimes called a gasper. The erotic interest in asphyxiation is classified as a paraphilia in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association.
He had hanged himself. Oddly, his head and shoulders were suspended from a noose only about three feet from the floor and his legs and torso were in a reclining position. Pornographic magazines were found, open, next to the body. At the inquest into the young man's death, the coroner, Dr Peter Dean, recorded an open verdict. He was not convinced it was a case of suicide. Hanging himself was a deliberate act, but it had taken an unforeseen turn. Auto-erotic asphyxia is a method of increasing sexual excitement by restricting the oxygen supply to the brain, usually by tightening a noose around the neck.
Autoerotic fatalities are accidental deaths that occur during sexual self-stimulation when an apparatus, device or prop that is being employed to enhance pleasure causes the death. Autoerotic asphyxia is the leading cause. Both of these lead to autoerotic asphyxia.
This list also includes photos, birth dates, professions, and other information. If you're thinking about trying out it yourself, make sure you take appropriate safety precautions in order to avoid a similar fate. David Carradine was an American actor who became famous for his role in the s television series Kung Fu.