As parents, we always strive to protect our children, to shield them from harm and guide them towards a bright future. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, tragedy strikes. It is an unimaginable pain that Andrea and Paul Haynes had to face when they made the heart-wrenching decision to end the life of their beloved daughter, Esra, at just 13 years old.
Australian journalist Ally Langdon, a mother herself, struggled to hold back tears as she spoke with the devastated couple about their loss. Esra, a talented young athlete, fell victim to the dangerous trend known as “chroming,” which has gained popularity among teenagers through social media.
Esra, a vibrant and determined individual, excelled in BMX racing and even led her team to a national aerobics championship. On the surface, she seemed like any other teenager, enjoying sleepovers with friends. But on that fateful night, everything changed.
During a sleepover with friends, Esra sought a deadly high by inhaling an aerosol deodorant can. The consequences were devastating. She experienced cardiac arrest and suffered permanent brain damage. Esra’s parents received a phone call that no parent ever wants to receive – “Come and get your daughter.”
Andrea and Paul always knew where Esra was and who she was with. This was just another ordinary hangout with friends, or so they thought. The reality was far more sinister. Esra’s friends mistook her distress for a panic attack, not realizing that her body was shutting down. No one at the sleepover recognized the signs of cardiac arrest caused by chroming.
Esra was being resuscitated when Andrea arrived at the scene. It was then that the paramedics revealed that their daughter had been chroming – a term Andrea had never heard before. Hope remained as Esra was rushed to the hospital. After all, she had a strong heart and lungs. But after eight agonizing days on life support, the doctors delivered the devastating news. Esra’s brain was irreparably damaged, beyond any chance of recovery. The Haynes family faced the unimaginable – the decision to turn off the life support machine.
The pain etched on their faces, Andrea and Paul described the heart-wrenching experience of saying their final goodbyes to their beloved daughter. They invited family and friends to the hospital, where Esra’s life slipped away. They held her, cuddled her, cherishing every precious moment until the end.
Ally Langdon, overcome with grief herself, empathized deeply with the Haynes family. The loss of a child is a wound that never fully heals. After Esra’s passing, the entire family was broken. Esra’s siblings, Imogen, Seth, and Charlie, were shattered. The community mourned the loss of a young life that held so much promise.
Andrea and Paul had never heard of chroming until it tragically took their daughter’s life. Now, they are determined to raise awareness of this deadly trend that is gaining popularity among teenagers. Chroming can be easily achieved with everyday store-bought items like deodorant, paint, hairspray, or even permanent markers. It is crucial for parents and teenagers alike to understand the grave dangers of this viral trend.
Reflecting on their heartbreaking experience, Paul expressed regret for not being educated about chroming while Esra was still alive. He urged parents to have open and honest conversations with their children, creating a safe space where they can share their fears and concerns. By being informed and providing the right guidance, parents can potentially save their children’s lives.
Chroming can cause organ failure, seizures, heart attacks, suffocation, and tragically, even death. The haunting images of what the Haynes family went through will never fade from their memories. The pain they feel is immeasurable.
Our hearts go out to the surviving family members of Esra and the Haynes family. In this difficult time, let us come together and share this story. By raising awareness and educating others about the dangers of chroming, we can prevent more families from enduring this devastating loss.
