Police investigate hanging

NAMPA, Idaho – Police in southwestern Idaho are investigating the recent hanging death of a teenage girl, checking for possible links to a voluntary choking game other teens may be playing.

Nampa police officials haven’t released specifics such as the girl’s name, age, her school or the date of her death. She was found hanging in her bedroom.

Police who have interviewed students at the Nampa School District school she attended say they learned the girl was acquainted with others who have been playing a voluntary choking game to get high.

“We’ve heard it’s going on,” Nampa police Lt. Craig Kingsbury said Thursday. “But now we’re trying to determine if that led to the girl’s death.”

Nampa school officials said they have been told the asphyxiation game is being played by a number of students, usually in the presence of at least one other person.

“This is not an isolated issue,” Assistant Superintendent Jay Hummel said. “Parents need to be concerned.”

Police are working with school officials to determine how many kids are taking part.

Kingsbury said police have found no sign of foul play in the death. And investigators said they found no indication, such as a note, that the girl had attempted suicide.

“We’re trying to determine if it’s an accident or a suicide,” the lieutenant said. “We’re trying to find some answers for the family. The investigation may prove to be difficult to solve. To be honest, I don’t know we ever will.”