Date: Tue, 25 Nov 1997 07:45:49 -0500

From: Robert Ness ness[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]DICKINSON.EDU

Subject: Re: Auto-erotic asphyxiation (new term?)



I understand that cops call such cases "gaspers." On Tue, 25 Nov 1997,

Barry A. Popik wrote:



Is "auto-erotic asphyxiation" a new term?

INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence died. Today's NY Post (pg. 16, col.

1) has this:



Cops initally called it a suicide, but now say the death might have been

caused when an act known as "auto-erotic asphyxiation" backfired.

Auto-erotic asphyxiation is a dangerous way of enhancing sexual

gratification that involves masturbating while cutting off the air supply,

often by hanging. (Kids, don't try this at home--ed.)

"Several friends of (Hutchence) have suggested that he has been involved

in kinky sex over the years, and so we are exploring the possibility it is an

auto-erotic death," a police source told The Post.



What a concept. "Auto-erotic asphyxiation."

Sounds like someone who is deathly in love with a car.