Deadly ‘choking game’ kills Dutch high school student

His parents want to raise awareness

A high school student from Anna van Rijn College in Nieuwegein has lost his life after participating in a dangerous ‘choking game’.

The NOS reports that no further investigation will occur since no other individuals were involved in the incident. 

Raising awareness of the risks

The ‘choking game’ involves deliberately restricting oxygen to reach a temporary euphoric state. 

The boy’s parents have requested that the school publicly disclose the cause of his death to “warn other parents and draw attention to the life-threatening risks of this or similar challenges.”

Unfortunately, this is not the first time this deadly game has taken a young person’s life.

A teenage boy (16) from Arkel and another boy (15) from The Hague are among the many victims of this deadly challenge.

Over in Amsterdam, a male student (15) was even arrested for holding four other students in a chokehold.

A growing concern

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service warns that the game can lead to severe physical harm or permanent consequences “due to a lack of oxygen in the brain”.

As such, they emphasise that the “consequences of this ‘choking game’ can haunt you for the rest of your life”. 

Support for the community

Anna van Rijn College intends to provide additional support to students and parents during this difficult time.

“We will keep a close eye on how the students are doing in the coming period and provide extra help if necessary,” says the school. 

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📮

Feature Image:Depositphotos
Ada Dolanay
Ada Dolanay
Ada was born in Turkey, but spent almost all her life growing up in Amsterdam. As a third year Literary and Cultural Analysis student, she’s consistently observing, analysing and writing about people and places. After years of experiencing Dutch culture, she remains frustrated at Dutch cuisine, and continues to discover new benches in narrow streets to sit and read on (when the weather decides to be kind).

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related posts

Latest posts

BREAKING: The Netherlands is about to fully ban fireworks — for good

We may be well into 2025, but the New Year’s fireworks debate is still blazing hot, with yet another Dutch party backing a full...

9 common financial mistakes expats in the Netherlands make (and how to avoid them)

Living in a foreign country is exciting, but amidst this emotion, many internationals make financial mistakes that could easily be avoided.  From using the wrong...

Trump’s anti-DEI crusade hits Europe: Dutch officials alarmed by ‘worrying’ request

Just when you thought US politics couldn’t get louder abroad: American embassies have sent letters to European companies urging them to ditch their diversity,...

It's happening

Upcoming events