Choking game still popular among kids

It can happen to any kid. All they need is one buddy to tell them "it's ok it's safe" and they'll believe it.

12-Year-Old Leesburg Boy Dies From 'Choking Game'

LEESBURG, Fla. -- A Leesburg family is in shock after a 12-year-old boy died playing a dangerous game. Now police are warning parents about kids who find fun in making each other pass out by cutting off oxygen to their brains.

David Cody Hudson was found on the floor of his bedroom with a belt around his neck. He died a day later at Arnold Palmer Hospital.

David went to school at Oak Park Middle School. Police originally thought his death was a suicide, because of the karate belt that was wrapped around his neck. Then, after talking to his friends, they realized he and other students had been playing something called the "choking game."

"We don't really know exactly what happened," said 14-year-old Alyssa Hudson, David's sister.

She carries pictures of her brother in her purse, childhood reminders of a brother who died playing a dangerous game. She found him barely alive on his bedroom floor.

"I looked at his face to see if he was smiling, but I saw his face was purple. Then I saw his karate belt around his neck. I tried to get it off, but it was way too tight," Alyssa said.

David died last month after police believe he tied a karate belt around his neck, trying to reduce oxygen to his brain and create a euphoric feeling, a game kids play at great peril.

"You're dealing with juveniles that are trying to experiment with something that can have life-threatening consequences," said Lt. Rob Hicks, Leesburg Police Department.

The disturbing trend is nothing new for kids. In fact, some have posted videos of the game online, where often one child chokes another until they pass out. But even more prevalent are tributes to kids who've died doing it. Now added to that list is David Cody Hudson.

Police said parents should add the choking game to their list of serious conversations like sex, drugs, alcohol.

"Any of those things, it's going to be a sensitive topic and we're aware of that, but this is as dangerous or more dangerous than some of those things we just mentioned," Hicks said.

Police say the investigation is now over. There will be no charges in the case. They say it was just an unfortunate accident, a child doing something terribly dangerous.

WOW that's crazy. Seems like that fad should be passing by now. I remember we use to pass each other out by bending over and raising up really fast with someone giving you a move kinda like the heimlich. I remember it felt about like doing nitrous. Looking back it wasnt the brightest thing to do but never felt the urge to tie my self off to something and choke myself.