Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

Vacuum-Sealed Hot Water Bath Immersion for the Preparation of Anatomical and Surgical Cadaveric Bone Models
Published on: December 2, 2022
The murderer is the bed: an unusual case of death by traumatic asphyxia in a hotel folding bunk bed
Mercè Subirana Domènech1, Helena Martínez Alcázar, Antoni Aguilar Pallarès
1Servei de Patologia Forense Zona Sud - Barcelona, Institut de Medicina Legal de Catalunya, Ciutat de la Justícia, Edifici G, 5ª Planta, Gran Via 111, Barcelona 08014, Spain. 25402msd@comb.cat
Abstract:
This paper presents the first referenced case on a death by traumatic asphyxia in a folding bunk bed. A middle-aged man was found dead in a hotel room trapped into a lower folding bunk bed where he had been sleeping after a party. The autopsy showed signs of asphyxia and excluded signs of struggle and sexual intercourse. Toxicological analyses revealed alcohol intoxication. A differential diagnosis of the manner of death including a technical study of the bed which contributed to understand the circumstances of death was made. The medico-legal investigation of the case strongly supported the hypothesis of an accidental death by traumatic asphyxia.
Related Concept Videos
Hypoxia
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Free-falling Bodies: Example
The...
Anatomical Positions
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
Free-falling Bodies: Introduction
