Special Report: Dying to Get High

It's a game that goes by many names...

Penny Fortin, Mother
"Space monkey, or knock out or flatliner."

But those who lose may not live to play again.

Dr. Thomas Andrew, NH State Medical Examiner
"Death can intervene literally within seconds."

The object of the game is simple. Cut off circulation until you nearly pass out. Then let go.

Dr. Thomas Andrew, NH State Medical Examiner
"The blood goes rushing back up into the head."

Kids think of it as a drug free high. And NH State Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Andrew says more and more pre-teens are starting to play.

Dr. Thomas Andrew, NH State Medical Examiner
"It would not surprise me to find out it's being played at some level in a majority of schools or youth settings around the country."

Thomas Fortin of Dunbarton, New Hampshire was only eleven years old. A bright, active kid. Until one night his mother found him dead in his room.

Penny Fortin, Mother
"It looked like he was kneeling up against the wall. And he had a dog collar around his neck."

While experts say these so-called choking games have been going on for years, the idea of playing alone, by tying something around your neck, brings it to a whole new level.

Dr. Thomas Andrew/NH State Medical Examiner
"If you lose consciousness, there's nobody around to remove the pressure of that ligature and you will asphyxiate within a matter of seconds to minutes."

Experts advise parents warn their children about the dangers of playing the game and watch for warning signs.

Dr. Thomas Andrew/NH State Medical Examiner
"Any kind of unusual abrasions or bruising on either side of the neck warrants some questioning."

Penny had never heard of the game, until it took the life of her son. Now she wants to warn others.

Penny Fortin, Mother
"They need to talk to their children. Because if they don't they're going to find out about it in school."

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