Asphyxial Suicide by Propane Inhalation and Plastic Bag Suffocation

Abstract

A 26-year-old male committed suicide by inducing asphyxia using a combination of plastic bag suffocation and propane-gas inhalation. This method has been reported in the literature, but it remains unusual. Autopsy findings were consistent with a hypoxic event, and blood, brain, and lung tissue tested positive for propane by gas chromatography. Propane, while possessing some narcotic properties, causes death primarily by displacing oxygen in the atmosphere with resultant asphyxia.