In a deeply emotional conversation with A Current Affair host Ally Langdon, Andrea and Paul Haynes shared the devastating loss of their 13-year-old daughter, Esra, who tragically passed away due to a dangerous social media trend known as “chroming.” This heartbreaking event left her family reeling and is now a catalyst for raising awareness about the risks of this life-threatening activity. As a mother herself, Langdon was visibly moved as she listened to the parents recount the heart-wrenching details of Esra’s death.
Esra’s Vibrant Life and Passion for Sports
Esra was known for her vibrant spirit and exceptional talents. Described by her peers and teammates at the Montrose Football Netball Club as “determined, fun, cheeky, and talented,” Esra thrived in her athletic pursuits. From BMX racing to leading her team to victory in a national aerobics competition, she was a bright young athlete with a promising future. However, her life was tragically cut short when she became the latest victim of chroming.
The Tragic Event: Esra’s Exposure to Chroming
On March 31, Esra attended a sleepover with friends, where she became involved in the dangerous practice of chroming. This practice, which involves inhaling aerosol deodorant to achieve a euphoric high, led to Esra suffering cardiac arrest and severe brain injury. For Andrea and Paul, the call that night marked the beginning of their worst nightmare. Despite knowing where their daughter was and who she was with, the situation turned deadly when Esra inhaled the toxic substance. Paramedics rushed to the scene, but by the time Andrea arrived, her daughter’s condition was dire.
The Heartbreaking Decision to Say Goodbye
After being rushed to the hospital, Esra’s family clung to the hope that she could pull through. However, despite her strong physical health, Esra’s brain damage was irreversible. After eight days on life support, the Haynes family was faced with the unimaginable decision to let their daughter go. Recalling the difficult moment, Paul shared, “Laying with her on that bed, it was one of the hardest things to do to a young spirit. We held her close until the curtains of life came down.” Esra’s death was not only a personal loss but also a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in everyday products, something the Haynes family had never known about before that fateful night.
Raising Awareness to Prevent Future Tragedies
Following Esra’s death, the Haynes family has made it their mission to raise awareness about the dangerous effects of chroming. Paul spoke passionately about how the lack of public knowledge on the issue had left them unprepared to protect their daughter. “If awareness was out there, we would have certainly had a kitchen-table talk about it,” he said, lamenting the missed opportunity to prevent this tragedy. As the family grieves, they are determined to help others avoid the same fate by educating parents about the dangers of chroming and urging open conversations with their children. Since 2009, chroming has claimed the lives of many children in Australia and beyond, making it a critical issue that needs attention.
The Haynes family’s efforts to spread awareness are a crucial step in preventing further loss. As Paul emphasized, the best way to protect children is by providing them with accurate information directly, not just through media or friends. Parents must take an active role in educating their children and having meaningful discussions about the dangers that exist in their everyday environment.
