CDC: Deadly game has killed 82 teens

According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, at least 82 adolescents have died playing a game where the goal is to black out from oxygen loss by choking.

The "choking" game's purpose is to experience a brief feeling of euphoria. Most players are male, and between the ages of 11 to 16. The average age is 13. It may be called the pass-out game or space monkey, or another name.

The study, publishing in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, examined news reports of underage deaths alleged to be from consensual choking. Three or fewer deaths were reported every year from 1994 to 2004. but there were 22 deaths in 2005, 35 in 2006, and 9 in 2007. This number does not include any choking deaths not reported to the media.

Signs of a teen involves in playing the dangerous "game" include marks on the neck, bloodshot eyes, and choking restraints such as ropes, collars, or bungee cords.