Suicide by a transvestite or sexual asphyxia? A case report

Autoerotic asphyxial activity may at times result in unexpected death. Although the majority of deaths that occur during autoerotic asphyxial episodes are accidental, the possibility of suicide must always be entertained. In the case presented here, a 22-year-old married male was found hanging by his neck in his bedroom, which was locked from the inside. He was suspended by a 'lungi' (male wrap-around cloth) from the ceiling fan hook in his room, with his feet touching the ground. He was dressed in a brassiere, panties, and silver anklets. There was no evidence of previous perverse behaviour, and investigation disclosed no evidence of previous autoerotic sexual activity, homosexual behaviour, drug abuse or suicidal ideation.