Wes was a great brother. He was a great friend and son. We were all devastated at his passing so young (only 17). He seemed to have many fun plans ahead of him, so that is why this is such a mystery to us still. Awareness of this game so needs to be part of our children's education! Too many fine people are taken from us because of the game's alluring mystery. It is not a game. And I want my brother's story to help keep children safe! Wes, your death will not be in vain if I can help it! I have missed not having had the chance to raise our children together. I look forward to seeing you again when my time comes. I remembered that I still owe you ten bucks. Your very sad sister, Mary.
Dustin was a very wonderful child who had special needs. This, in itself, should be addressed because of children who might do things that others tell them to do, and they don't fully understand the consequences. Many had told Dustin to do things in the past as a joke, knowing that he would do it. It is so sad that adults even witness these things and yet say or do nothing. He will be missed terribly and his parents and sister are left to wonder how something like this could have happened and how many other children has this happened to. Special needs children DO NOT understand ths as do other children.
My Beautiful clever son Harry You are sorely missed by all that loved you and by the people you touched througout your short life.I love you little man. You were a Happy, confident and positive young man with his life to live, you left too soon. xx
I know that my son's death was an accident. When we spoke with the coroner he had never heard of kids playing the Choking game.
"My son Brendan was the oldest of our three children. He was a gifted athlete and active in almost every sport. He was very devoted and loyal to his family and friends and never said a mean thing about anyone, including those that bullied him at times. He had a heart of gold and always wore his feelings on his sleeve. He was a Boy Scout with a dream of becoming an Eagle Scout and his dream was to be a marine and then one day open a pet store. There was never a day that he didn't tell me (he loved me)before walking out the door whether it was off to school or one of his many activities. At the time of his death (he was 13 and in 8th grade) he was in the middle of confirmation and had a strong faith in God. There isn't a minute of everyday that I still don't think of him and miss him. Even though it has been almost 9 years, I still think of how he lived and not how he died. He is my angel and I look forward to the day I see him again so I can look into his beautiful eyes and hold him once again."
Oscar was 17 and was an extremely intelligent and sensitive young man. An incredible number of people attended his memorial service. His life was needlessly cut short. The pain of the loss is a daily battle.
Maiya Bowman was a beautiful, intelligent, and very courious young lady who lost her life participating in this mindless activity. Her family misses her very very much!!!
Rhael, a happy, funny, caring boy. He was a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew- but more importantly, he was a great friend. Rhael's best friend was his 3-year-old brother, Kyan. He was like a little dad!