Australian journalist Ally Langdon struggled to hold back tears as she spoke with a grieving couple forced to make an unimaginable decision: saying goodbye to their beloved 13-year-old daughter.
Esra Haynes lost her life after falling victim to a dangerous social media trend known as chroming, which involves inhaling toxic chemicals to achieve a high. As a mother herself, Langdon found it especially difficult to process the tragedy.
During an emotional segment on A Current Affair, Andrea and Paul Haynes shared the devastating story of their daughter, who was described as a determined, fun-loving, and talented young girl. Esra was a co-captain of the Montrose Football Netball Club, a BMX rider, and a national aerobics champion.
On March 31, Esra attended a sleepover at a friend’s house. That night, she inhaled aerosol deodorant, an act that led to cardiac arrest and irreversible brain damage.
“It was just a regular night with friends,” her mother, Andrea, recalled.
Her father, Paul, added, “We always knew where she was and who she was with. There was nothing unusual… Then we got that call every parent dreads: ‘Come and get your daughter.’”
Esra’s friends initially thought she was having a panic attack, but in reality, her body was shutting down. She had gone into cardiac arrest, but none of the children present recognized the signs.
When Andrea arrived, paramedics were desperately working to revive Esra. It was then that she first heard the term “chroming.”
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Esra’s condition remained critical. Her parents clung to hope, believing that her strong heart and lungs might carry her through.
After eight days on life support, doctors delivered devastating news: Esra had suffered irreparable brain damage. Her parents had to make the agonizing choice to let her go.
Surrounded by loved ones, Esra was laid on a hospital bed, where her family held her until the very end.
Langdon, deeply moved by their story, was brought to tears.
Raising Awareness After a Tragic Loss
Since Esra’s passing in early April, the Haynes family has been shattered. Her siblings—Imogen, Seth, and Charlie—are struggling to cope with the loss.
“This has been the most difficult and traumatic thing we’ve ever faced,” Paul said. “We’re not sleeping, not eating, not smiling. We’re just not ourselves… and it’s not just us. It’s affected the entire community.”
Unaware of chroming’s dangers before their daughter’s death, Paul and Andrea are now on a mission to educate other families. The trend, which involves inhaling household products like deodorant, paint, hairspray, and markers, has claimed multiple young lives in Australia and beyond.
Paul expressed deep regret, wishing he had known about chroming while Esra was alive. “If we had been informed, we could have had that conversation at our kitchen table.”
He now urges parents to talk openly with their children, ensuring they receive accurate information rather than learning from friends or social media. “We need to step up and equip kids with knowledge before it’s too late.”
The Dangers of Chroming
Chroming carries severe risks, including seizures, heart attacks, suffocation, coma, organ failure, and sudden sniffing death. Despite its dangers, it remains alarmingly popular among teenagers seeking a quick high.
“The images of that night will never leave us,” Paul shared. “It felt like our insides were being ripped apart.”
No family should have to make the unbearable decision of removing their child from life support. Our hearts go out to the Haynes family and everyone who loved Esra.
Please share this story to help spread awareness about the dangers of chroming and prevent another tragic loss.
