'Her son Samuel, Gabriel's twin brother,
backed her up on that during an interview on Monday.
Saying he had probably done the same thing that killed Gabriel about
five times, Samuel said intentionally blacking out brought him to a place with "weird dreams."
"It's like a dream world, kind of, and then you wake up," Samuel said.'
Samuel
said although he had tried making himself pass out a number of times after an out-of-town kid had told him and his brother
"it's really neat," he stopped after his mom and dad found out. Newspaper article quoting my son Samuel, Gabriel's twin.
Link to article > Blacking out: 'It's like a dream world'
Blacking out: Choking: Passout: Fainting: Spacemonkey:
The above titles are the names of a game that's becoming popular among some junior and
senior high school students. It involves one person hyperventilating then holding the breath while another person bear hugs
them from behind. This hug and breath holding enhances an effect called Valsalva Maneuver (VM). VM is the technique that wieghtlifters
instinctivly employ when lifting heavy weights. They hold their breath and squeeze their abdominal muscles as they lift. The
net effect of VM is an increase in intrathoracic pressure (inside the chest cavity) which creates high pressure on the great
veins (superior and inferior vena cava). This high pressure on the great veins reduces blood return to the heart which in
turn, reduces blood output from the heart. When blood output to the brain is reduced, brain oxygen is reduced (cerebral hypoxia)
and the person faints or passes out.
Are these games dangerous?
It can be. Repeated bouts of cerebral hypoxia has the potential to cause brain damage.
For individuals with heart disease or certain vascular diseases Valsalva Maneuver can cause heart attack, stroke, or other
cardio vascular damage.
Most of the time as soon as the person faints they return to normal breathing and recover
in a few minutes. Headaches may follow.
Are these games autoerotic asphyxia?
Only if it is combined with masturbation--that's the auto (self) erotic (sex) part.
Warning Signs for Parents and Teachers
Parents and teachers should be made aware of warning signs that their child may
be playing these "games". Note that with the exception of ligature marks on the neck, each of these signs should be taken
in light of other signs and related behaviors or symptoms. A single factor by itself may not warrant concern but if a combination
of signs is evident, concern is warranted. Warning signs include but are not limited to:
- unexplained marks on necks
- short ropes, padded ropes, neckties tied in odd knots
- bloodshot eyes
- complaints of headaches
- locks on bedroom doors
Older children may have signs of AEA (Autoerotic asphyphixiation; generally not associated
with younger adolescents) which would include the above signs and often, but not always, women's clothing and/or pornography
in closet or under bed may be found.
Evidence of repetitive hanging such as unexplained marks on the neck or broken
or multiple rope abrasion on closet rods from repeated hangings are likely the best and most silent indicators of behavior
for parents and teachers to be aware of.
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| Gabriel Harry Mordecai |
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 Gabriel Harry Mordecai of Paradise, Ca, entered into eternal rest on May 6, 2005, surrounded by his loving father, mother,
grandmother, brothers, sister, numerous family members and friends. Born on July 31, 1991 in Quincy, Gabriel lived in Paradise
for 10 years and attended Paradise Elementary School, Evergreen Academy, and Paradise Intermediate School, where he would
have graduated eighth grade this June. Gabriel was and will always be a precious gift who blessed us. Gabriel was unique in
so many ways. He was loyal to his family without fail; he showed empathy beyond his years to those less fortunate than himself,
and he was a very forgiving young man. Gabriel's passions were the outdoors, camping, skiing with his father and brother,
target shooting, hunting, archery, aircraft, reptiles, especially his ball python 'Monty' otherwise known as 'Julius Squeezer'
and the family dog 'Ezra. Gabriel always looked forward to his visits with his father and grandmother every two weeks and
the adventures they provided for him. Gabe was an excellent student, who worked hard to achieve the goals he set for himself,
especially a high GPA so he would do well in high school and go on to a good university.
Gabriel is survived by his father,
Blair Mordecai of Berkeley, Ca, mother, Sarah Pacatte and twin brother, Samuel Mordecai, both of Paradise, brother Gregory
Mordecai, of Boulder, Co., brother Arthur Golden III, of Chico, sister Elizabeth Golden of Long Beach, grandmother, Adrienne
Mordecai of Berkeley.
Gabriel had many, many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that he loved and who loved him. (m. e.
o.) Gabriel brought such life, joy and awe to our family, always curious, adventurous, and fearless. We thank you God for
blessing us with such a precious gift. Gabe, we will miss you, and cherish you, until the end of days....
""It is no slight
thing when those, so fresh from God, love us"".
Visitation Thursday, May 12, Chapel of the Pines 12 noon 6:00 pm; prayers
and rosary at 4:00 pm; funeral Mass at 7:00 pm, St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Memorials in memory of Gabriel Mordecai may
be made to Calvary Church, Magalia, youth program or St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Paradise, youth program.
Published in the Paradise Post from 5/10/2005 - 5/12/2005. |
| Guest Book • Funeral home info
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Another child died the 'same' way and same week that Gabriel died
at the same hopital in No. Sacramento, Ca.!
This is leading to a point ....
As you probably well know, almost all of the 'web' info involving adolescent hanging/self
strangulation/breath control/self asphyxiation/thrill asphyxiation associates the behavior with AAE.
THERE ARE MANY MANY ADOLESCENTS DYING FROM adolescent hanging/self strangulation/breath
control/self asphyxiation/thrill asphyxiation WITHOUT auto erotic asphyxiation CONNOTATIONS! The results of BOTH
behaviors are however, the same! Kids are doing this 'game' and it leads to DEATH too many times.
No one hears of these 'ACCIDENTAL' adolescent
deaths caused by playing the 'game'.. (taken to different levels..) Ignorance is not bliss.
Still loving my four kids,
Sarah
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