A Family’s Heartbreak: The Deadly Trend That Took Their Daughter’s Life

Parents’ Devastating Choice: Losing Their Daughter to a Deadly Viral Trend

When Paul and Andrea Haynes sent their 13-year-old daughter, Esra, to a friend’s sleepover on March 31, they had no reason to worry. They knew where she was, who she was with, and assumed she was safe. But that night, their world shattered.

Esra became another victim of chroming—a dangerous trend where teens inhale household chemicals for a quick high. Just moments after inhaling aerosol deodorant, she went into cardiac arrest, suffering a severe brain injury.

Now, her grieving family is speaking out, determined to make sure no other child suffers the same fate.

A Bright Future Cut Short

Esra was an athlete, leader, and vibrant young girl. As a co-captain of the Montrose Football Netball Club and a national aerobics champion, she embraced life with determination and joy. She loved BMX racing with her siblings, and her future seemed limitless.

Her parents never imagined a common household product could take her life.

The Night That Changed Everything

On that tragic night, Esra’s friends didn’t recognize the signs of cardiac arrest. They thought she was simply panicking, missing the critical moments needed to save her life.

“We always knew her whereabouts and her company. Nothing was unusual… Getting that call at night was a parent’s nightmare realized: ‘Come get your daughter.’” — Paul Haynes

By the time Andrea arrived, paramedics were desperately trying to revive Esra. Like many parents, she had never heard of chroming before that night.

A Parent’s Worst Decision

Esra was placed on life support as her family clung to hope. Her heart and lungs were strong, but her brain damage was irreversible.

For eight agonizing days, they prayed for a miracle. Then came the moment no parent should ever face—the decision to let her go.

“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.” — Paul Haynes

Turning Tragedy Into Awareness

Before Esra’s passing, Paul and Andrea had never heard of chroming. Now, they are determined to warn other families before it’s too late.

“If awareness was out there, we would have certainly had a kitchen-table talk about it.” — Paul Haynes

Chroming has claimed multiple young lives since 2009. This deadly trend can cause:
Cardiac arrest
Seizures
Suffocation
Organ failure
Coma or sudden death

Paul urges parents to start open conversations with their children.

“Kids need to hear it from their parents, not from friends or the media. They deserve accurate advice from the start.”

A Community in Mourning

Esra’s passing left a deep void in her family, her siblings Imogen, Seth, and Charlie, and her entire community.

“We are completely shattered. It’s the toughest time any parent could face… It’s not just us affected—it’s also the community.” — Paul Haynes

A Final Message: Talk to Your Kids Before It’s Too Late

No parent should have to say goodbye to their child because of a deadly social media trend. The Haynes family hopes that by sharing Esra’s story, they can save lives.

If you have children or teens, have the conversation today. Their safety may depend on it.

Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.