Friends gather to remember teen who died playing 'choking game'

A teenager, who died playing the "choking game," was remembered Sunday in Cary.

Kris Marceno's friends came together for a Pajama Party at Contrast Creative Studio, 2598 Highstone Road, to share their memories through song and photos.

Marceno, a sophomore at Enloe High School, died Nov. 2 playing the "choking game" in which someone asphyxiates himself or herself or chokes a friend to the point of passing out. The oxygen-deprivation is believed to produce a euphoric high.

“I just want everyone to be aware that this is really dangerous and no one else should have to die because of this. And Kris would be proud of his parents for speaking out against this,” said Sarah Huck, Marceno’s friend.

Marceno, 15, had tied an electrical cord around his neck, with the other end tied to a bunk bed, his mother said.

The Marcenos said they never suspected their son of trying to play such a dangerous game, but they said his friends have since told them they even try to choke each other at school.

The Marcenos are speaking publicly about their son's death in hopes of warning other parents about the dangerous game.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 82 youths nationwide have died since 1995 while playing the choking game. Most of the victims were teenage boys.

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Latest Comments

Banker Momy. I apologize. I thought you said that you went to parties and did this and that it was "no big deal".

comeonnow
November 24, 2008 2:56 p.m.

I can't believe what children do for entertainment. I believe this comes from a generation of video game kids who grow up thinking that after everyone is blown up, shot to pieces, raped, beaten, and almost eaten, that you just start the game over and everyone will be fine. So sad.

Doctor Dataclerk
November 24, 2008 2:54 p.m.

anneonymousone, I totally agree. I am so glad the parents brought this issue forward. Teenagers don't always listen to their parents, but hearing about an actual person who died doing this could make a real difference. Let's hope so.

Banker Mommy
November 24, 2008 1:06 p.m.

I graduated from hogh school in '81, and among my friends, if someone had suggested choking someone until they passed out as a means of entertainment, we would have looked at them like they had lost their minds. I asked my daughter about it and she said she had heard of it, but she almost seemed annoyed that I would ask her and she said, "Daddy, I'm not that stupid."

claytontarheel
November 24, 2008 12:47 p.m.

This is sad and strange. How can it be called 'a game' when the only player is alone in his/her room? There must be something else going on in the minds of those who do this. It was brave of this young man's parents to come forward with their truth. It is most sad to lose a child and especially like this. I am sorry for their loss.

iamyeary
November 24, 2008 12:39 p.m.