A 16-year-old girl has died in hospital after being found unresponsive at a home in Elanora Heights, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, in what police are investigating as a suspected choking incident during consensual sexual activity. ([7news.com.au](https://7news.com.au/news/boyfriend-friends-share-emotional-messages-to-teen-who-died-after-suspected-sexual-choking-act-c-22808016))
Emergency services were called to the property at about 5.45pm on Sunday 23 August following a welfare concern. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the teenager at the scene before she was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition.
NSW Police said they were informed that she died in hospital on Tuesday 25 August. Officers from the Northern Beaches Police Area Command are investigating the circumstances of her death, and a report is expected to be prepared for the coroner. ([police.nsw.gov.au](https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/news?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenByZC5wb2xpY2UubnN3Lmdvdi5hdSUyRm1lZGlhJTJGMTI3MjAyLmh0bWwmYWxsPTE%3D&utm_source=openai))
Police have not publicly confirmed the cause of death or details of the teenager’s injuries. However, the ABC reported that two sources familiar with the matter said investigators believed she may have lost consciousness through asphyxiation after allegedly being choked during sex.
The sources also said officers had been told the sexual activity was consensual. No arrests have been made and no charges have been laid.
Friends and relatives have since shared tributes on social media. The girl’s boyfriend wrote: “I love you more than anything,” adding: “I miss you more than you could ever imagine. Rest peacefully my love.”
One friend described her as a presence who brought energy to every room, writing: “There was never a dull moment with you angel.” They added: “My sweet gorgeous girl, you always had a smile on your face, I will forever miss you.”
The teenager’s school has asked the community not to speculate or share unverified information while the investigation continues. Counselling has been offered to pupils closely associated with her, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Research published by the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland found that 57 per cent of 4,702 Australians aged between 18 and 35 had been strangled during sex at least once, while 51 per cent said they had strangled a partner. Pornography was the most commonly reported source through which participants learned about the practice, at 61 per cent. ([unimelb.edu.au](https://www.unimelb.edu.au/newsroom/news/2024/july/study-finds-strangling-during-sex-common%2C-but-understanding-is-low?utm_source=openai))
Professor Heather Douglas, one of the study’s authors, has warned that strangulation can cause brain injury even when someone remains conscious and shows no obvious injuries. She said the risks remained regardless of whether the person had consented.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek has said the Australian Government is considering a UK-style ban on pornography depicting strangulation and suffocation.
“There is no safe way to strangle someone,” Ms Plibersek told ABC’s Insiders.
Anyone affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, call 000.
