COLORADO SPRINGS (KDVR) – Approximately 1,000 people came together Thursday night to remember a 12-year-old boy who died after playing the so-called ‘choking game.'
According to Colorado Springs Gazette, Gian-Luc Jordan, a 7th grader at Mountain Ridge Middle School died on Aug. 17 from suffocation, or asphyxiation.
"Luca" was an accomplished athlete and student, with medals and trophies to show for it. Friends say he was well liked by his classmates and teammates.
"He wanted to play everything. He loved swimming. He loved soccer. He loved baseball, triathlon," says one of his former coaches, Kent Christy.
The boy's mother is in a state of disbelief.
"His soul and spirit are still the same. He's still close to me and he will be always," says Petra Jordan.
"Kids will get into this because they think it's a safe thing for them to do and it won't harm their body, like drugs or alcohol," says family friend Teddi Domann.
The ‘Choking Game' is a dangerous new trend where children and teens purposely choke themselves, or have others do so, in order to achieve a brief "high." But it can cause severe brain damage and even death.
"It just takes three minutes," says Domann.
"Everyone who met Gian-Luc, who got to know him. You can't forget that kid," says former coach Brian Matalus through tears.
Luca's dad found his unconscious son in his bedroom with a belt around his neck and attached to a bunk bed post on Aug. 13. The boy died four days later. His parents donated his organs.
Research shows middle-school-aged boys and girls are most likely to play the ‘chocking game,' but boys are more likely to play alone.
"Your accident has made me realize how precious life is," says the boy's father, Henry Jordan. "I will remember you forever and always. You will have a place in my heart."
They hope in death Luca can save others from what kids think is a harmless game.
"Sleep in peace my lovely boy knowing that dad will take care of mommy. Sleep in peace. We got this now. You don't worry about us anymore. Sleep in peace," Henry says.
The Jordan's encourage other families to talk to their kids about the deadly consequences of the choking game. They only wish they had.
Warning signs your child may be playing it include bloodshot eyes, frequent headaches, marks on the neck, discussion of the game, and ropes, scarves and belts tied to bedroom furniture or doorknobs. You can get more information at gaspinfo.com.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, as of May 2011 there were 411 reported fatalities and 51 injuries involving the game.
