David Carradine was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room. It is suspected that he died accidentally during a sex game, presumably autoerotic asphyxiation.
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This practice is also called masturbatory self-strangulation. What is it and why is it so dangerous?
Asphyxiation means that the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off as a result of strangulation.
What is AEA?
Autoerotic asphyxiation (AEA) is a sexual practice in which people strangulate themselves during masturbation. Decreased blood flow to the brain results in the release of endorphines. People become euphoric and experience a heightened sexual experience and more intense orgasms. For many, AEA gradually becomes the only way in which they can reach orgasm.
In most cases, people strangulate themselves by using a ligature such as a rope with which they have made a noose or slip-knot around the neck. Most people have built-in safety or rescue methods. In nearly all fatal cases, people did indeed have safety mechanisms, but these had failed.
AEA is an extremely dangerous practice and results in several deaths each year. It shouldn't be confused with suicide. People who practise AEA die unintentionally, usually because they lose consciousness during partial asphyxia, and therefore lose control over the means of strangulation. It is particularly dangerous if people combine self-strangulation with self-bondage. Those who practice AEA are typically impulsive thrill-seekers who have a death fantasy, as opposed to a death wish. They’re basically playing Russian Roulette.
It is more common than is generally thought, especially among adolescent or young adult males. It has claimed the lives of many famous people, including the lead singer of INXS Michael Hutchence and the British Conservative MP Stephen Milligan, and now presumably also that of actor David Carradine.
Warning signs of AEA behaviour
It is difficult to identify people who practice AEA. They are often happy, average, and well-adjusted who appear to have good relationships with family and friends.
If you are concerned that someone you know may be involved in AEA activities, look out for these signs:
What an incredibly embarrassing way to go. - Richard P
In Thailand
2009/06/08 11:58:58 AM
This is a bit sad if you think about it. Thailand must be the one country in the world where you can buy whatever sex you' re interested in, and then to die like this... - RVM
Pic
2009/06/08 12:00:06 PM
His picture doesn' t really look very wholesome, does it> ? - Sarah
Kung fu fighting
2009/06/08 12:09:59 PM
In the end it was a combination of Kung Fu and Kill Bill that got the better of him. RIP DC. - nia
V. embarrasing
2009/06/08 12:39:36 PM
How sordid and pathetic to die naked in a closet. - Anne
So Sad
2009/06/08 01:17:34 PM
So sad to be a famous actor that is looked up to by millions of fans and to die an ignomius death.I really enjoyed DC kungfu acting in the Kill Bill movies...... - Karate
Shane, is that you Shane?
2009/06/08 01:32:39 PM
Oh heavens. I have just realised this was ' Shane, shane, I love you Shane' . From hero to zero... - Peter v D
Ms Pauw, are you sure about Kosinsky?
2009/06/08 01:52:46 PM
According to Wikipedia, which obviously also needs to double checked, Jerzy Kosinsky did not die of AEA: " Kosiñ ski suffered from multiple illnesses at the end of his life, and was under attack from journalists who alleged he was a plagiarist. By the time he reached his late 50s, Kosiñ ski was suffering from an irregular heartbeat as well as severe physical and nervous exhaustion. Kosiñ ski committed suicide on May 3, 1991, by taking a fatal dose of barbiturates." - walgvogel
My Word
2009/06/08 01:58:24 PM
At least he died with a smile...ore perhaps a silly grin.
I suppose his last words were i' m coming...going.. - Geanann
So what!
2009/06/08 02:27:21 PM
I really don' t think what David Carradine did behind closed doors is the buisness of anyone. It involved no one other than himself and was not nearly a sordid as some of the unspeakable sexual atrocities committed against children and other unwilling victims. Give the guy a break, some of his acting was pretty good and this is how he deservs to be remembered. - Mis-led
What' s in a name?
2009/06/08 02:30:33 PM
It may sound rather rather grim but it appears that Carradine' s choice of movies had an eerie sense of foreboding about them. Some of the unfortunate titles of movies that Carradine starred in are: Bound for glory, The long goodbye, Death race (twice), Deathsport, Trick or treats, Bird on a wire, Down n dirty, Dead and breakfast, Fall down dead, Last hour, My suicide ...
And my two personal favourites have to be Homo erectus and The gambler returns: the luck of the draw.... - nia
AEA
2009/06/08 02:35:31 PM
Don' t do it. Aerosol propellants in plastic bags inhibit the body' s Carbon Dioxide-Oxygen exchange response. Pure nitrogen and other propellants are killers. You sleep and never wake up again. Family and friends are left to explain your perversion. Lost three friends. 1: Carbon Tet. 2: Spray ' n Cook. 3: Ether. - Dave S
Mercy
2009/06/08 02:58:54 PM
This guy was my hero when I was a kid, its not only a disgrace but wat will the guy tell God when he gets up there, At such age people still have these carnal desires.. its a warning to us all... - Kish
Grim
2009/06/08 03:07:08 PM
And David’ s mother always wondered why her boy would hide in the closet, make funny noises and come out with bloodshot eyes and a silly grin on his face. Now she knows. Wonder what St. Peter will ask him once he reaches the pearly gates on heaven – How was the trip? - Grim reaper
Heros
2009/06/08 03:20:15 PM
Just another grimm reminder of not to have a person as your hero. We label people so easy and almost everytime they dissapoint us. May God have mercy on his soul. - DC
AEA
2009/06/08 04:27:52 PM
Poor Shane ,from super cowboy ,to a common wanker ! - mack
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