The parents of 13-year-old Esra Haynes, who tragically died after participating in the dangerous “chroming” trend, are now speaking out to warn others about the risks involved. The teenager’s death occurred after she took part in the harmful activity at a sleepover in Melbourne, Australia, in March 2023.
Esra’s parents, Andrea and Paul, had always kept track of where she was and who she was with, never suspecting that a seemingly ordinary night with friends would lead to such a heartbreaking outcome. They received a phone call that night, asking them to pick up their daughter, who had become unresponsive.
13-year-old Esra Haynes was rushed to hospital in an unresponsive state. Credit: 9News
Esra was rushed to the hospital and placed on life support. Initially, her parents hoped for her recovery, but doctors soon confirmed that her brain had suffered irreparable damage. The family made the gut-wrenching decision to turn off her life support after she fought for her life for a week and a half.
Paul Haynes shared his grief in an emotional interview with A Current Affair, saying, “They’re asking us to bring family and friends to say goodbye to our 13-year-old daughter. It was a very, very difficult thing to do to such a young soul.” Esra’s family held her close in her final moments, “cuddling her until the end.”
Esra Haynes’ family is now raising awareness of the dangers of chroming. Credit: 9News
What Is Chroming?
Chroming, also known as solvent abuse, is when a person inhales chemicals like glue or solvents to get high. This dangerous practice has become more prevalent among teenagers and young adults. The immediate effects of chroming include dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and a variety of other physical symptoms. In Esra’s case, the damage was fatal.
Esra’s family is now on a mission to raise awareness about the dangers of chroming. Paul Haynes expressed the family’s determination, saying, “This will be our crusade. We don’t want this to happen to anyone else. We don’t want another family to go through this—it’s absolutely horrible.” Esra’s brother, Seth, added, “I just want to put awareness out there that it can happen very quickly, and we don’t want to lose any more amazing people.”
Esra’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of chroming, and her family’s message is clear: awareness and prevention are key to stopping this trend from claiming more young lives.
Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.