Mechanism of Certain Forms of Sudden Death in Medico-Legal Practice

Bodies recovered from water: a personal approach and consideration of difficulties.

“…6 15 In most, however, it seems to be transient, and a true asphyxial death from laryngeal spasm, if it occurs at all, is probably extremely rare. Gardner reports having seen only one fatal case-in a boy aged 8 who sank into water immediately after jumping in, and whose body showed asphyxial changes and no features of drowning.…”

Death scene characteristics in 118 fatal cases of autoerotic asphyxia compared with suicidal asphyxia

“…This mechanism may consist merely of the victim being able to support himself with his hands or feet (Brittain, 1968;Diamond, Innala, & Emulf, 1989;Hazelwood et al, 1981Hazelwood et al, , 1983Polson, et al, 1985;Weimann & Prokop, 1960;Rogers, 1966;Walsh et al, 1977). However, very little pressure on the neck is required to cause rapid loss of consciousness (Brittain, 1968;Gardner, 1942;Hazelwood et al, 1981Hazelwood et al, , 1983 even without having to invoke the carotid sinushagal inhibition reflex to explain why control of the asphyxiating mechanism was lost (Emson, 1983;Knight, 1979Knight, , 1991Resnik, 1972;Steams, 1955). Among our material, possible self-rescue ploys included the use of slipknots, quick release devices, and available support, all of which were recorded significantly more commonly in the autoerotic asphyxia group than in the suicidal asphyxia group.…”

Nasal Reflexes

“…The lady explained afterwards that immediately she fell back with her legs held in the air, the water rushed into her mouth and up her nostrils, making her unconscious' (Crew 1933). Sudden reflex cardiac arrest occurring during water immersion due to impingement of water on the upper respiratory tract is now a cause of death well recognized by forensic experts (Gardner 1942, Camps 1968).…”