Teen Dies From Choking Game

A local family is mourning the loss of their son after he died from a dangerous game.

Police said 19-year-old Adam Denson died while playing a game called “Space Monkey”, also known as the choking game, at his home in Corbett.

Bernadine and Bob Denson of Corbett discovered Adam’s body, with a cloth belt around his neck, Friday night.

His parents said they initially thought it may have been suicide because Denson did have a history of drug use, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression.

According to the family, doctors told them that Denson was choking himself and cutting off oxygen to his brain in an attempt to get high.

Denson's parents said they learned about the game at the funeral home.

“There were 20 or 30 kids that said, ‘Yeah, we’ve done it, but parents don’t know.’ I knew nothing about this,” said Bernadine Denson.

A friend of Denson’s, Austin Snide, said “He used to do that in middle school, just choke himself and pass out. He did that, but I didn’t think he would still do it.”

Denson's friends said they’ve only heard of kids doing Space Monkey in a group, so others can help the one choking wake up. They said the goal is not only a buzz but a chance to show off.

“It’s pretty much just to tell a story, I think. When you wake up after being unconscious, that’s the high they want,” said Josh Blacker, a friend of Denson.

The Densons said they want other parents to watch for warning signs and for teens to think twice before playing the game.

“If they know the pain we’re going through, and if they love their parents, they wouldn’t do it,” said Bob Denson.

There will be a memorial service for Adam Denson on Saturday at the Columbia Life Center in Troutdale.