A staff member at Dadisman residence hall found the body of 21-year-old Jonathan David Hansen hanging from a cord in his room at about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, said spokeswoman Becky Lofstead.

The staff member went to the room after Hansen's parents contacted officials at the dorm because they had not heard from him for a couple of days, Lofstead said.

"The medical examiner determined it was an accidental hanging," she said.

The object of the "choking game" is to deprive the brain of oxygen so one can feel a brief rush when the blood flow returns. The game _ also known as space monkey, flat-liner, fainting game and black out _ was responsible for more than 50 deaths last year and eight this year, according to the Stop The Choking Game Web site. It can also cause brain damage, strokes, seizures and retinal damage.

Lofstead said Hansen's death was the first "choking game" death recorded at the university.

Hansen, of Elkview, was a junior majoring in chemical engineering and a 4.0 student, Lofstead said.

Submitted on 04/01/2006

Submitted by: shawnduffy@comcast.net
Reference: Associated Press Sat Apr 1,

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
Ah, yes, the "choking game" again. This time, the victim is not an underaged kid, but a college student, a junior, and an engineering student at that. I'd toss this as "too common", but the fact that he SHOULD have had the smarts to know better makes him the first person, IMO, to deserve an award for this. Hopefully he'll be the last as well...

Sheryl said:
Maybe Toss: Not Amusing
Hmmm, I still have my doubts about this "choking game" thing. I don't find it amusing at all. There are websites full of adults who've accidentally hanged themselves (admittedly while engaging in a slightly different activity) and I just don't find it amusing enough to let it through. Sorry.

Jorge said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
Kind of old to be playing this game.

Greg said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
I was waivering on Tossing this because it is kinda sad ... but then I thought "no way - the moron hung himself by his neck... for kicks!" DA earned! And let it be a lesson to anyone else who might try this - of any age.

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