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.
>