The heart-wrenching story of Esra Haynes, a 13-year-old athlete and co-captain of the Montrose Football Netball Club, serves as a warning to parents and children alike. Esra tragically lost her life to a dangerous viral trend called “chroming,” and her parents are now sharing their story to raise awareness and protect other young lives.
Esra was a remarkable young girl, known for her determination, fun-loving spirit, and talent in various sports. She led a healthy life, excelling in BMX racing and even guiding her team to a national aerobics championship. However, during a seemingly innocent sleepover on March 31, she made a fateful decision that would change everything. Curiosity led her to inhale a toxic amount of aerosol deodorant, resulting in a cardiac arrest and irreversible brain damage.
The devastating news shattered Esra’s parents, Andrea and Paul. In an emotional interview on A Current Affair, they bravely shared their pain and issued a warning about the dangers of inhaling toxic chemicals. Andrea recounted the heart-wrenching moment when she received the call that no parent should ever have to receive: “Come and get your daughter.”
Initially, Esra’s friends didn’t fully comprehend the seriousness of her condition, mistaking it for a panic attack. When her mother arrived, paramedics were already desperately trying to revive her. It was then that they learned of “chroming,” a term unfamiliar to them until that moment.
Esra was rushed to the hospital and placed on life support. Tragically, just eight hours later, her parents received the devastating news that their daughter’s brain was beyond repair. Faced with an unimaginable decision, they made the agonizing choice to turn off life support.
Andrea and Paul called their relatives to bid their final goodbyes, clinging to Esra and cherishing their last moments together. The loss of their beloved daughter has left her siblings, Imogen, Seth, and Charlie, utterly shattered.
The grief-stricken parents vow to put an end to the dangerous trend that claimed Esra’s life. Paul regrets not knowing about “chroming” earlier, as he wishes he could have warned Esra about its dangers. He stressed the importance of directly educating children, rather than relying on their friends or social media for information. “They need the right advice from the start,” Paul emphasized.
Esra’s tragic story is not an isolated incident, as many young lives have been lost to chroming over the years. The memories of their heartbreaking experience weigh heavily on the hearts of Esra’s parents. The pain they endured feels as though their very souls were torn apart.
Let us share this heart-wrenching story far and wide, raising awareness to prevent other families from suffering such devastating loss. Together, we can protect our children and ensure their safety from dangerous trends.
