The popular Australian TV show, A Current Affair, recently aired a heart-wrenching interview with Andrea and Paul Haynes. They shared the tragic story of their 13-year-old daughter, Esra Haynes, who lost her life after falling victim to a dangerous trend known as “chroming.” As an ally to parents, it’s crucial to raise awareness about this deadly craze and spread the word to protect our children.
Esra was a vibrant young athlete who loved racing BMX bikes and co-captaining the Montrose Football Netball Club. Described as determined, fun, cheeky, and talented, she even led her team to a national aerobics championship in Queensland. But her life was tragically cut short when she attended a sleepover with friends on March 31.
Seeking a lethal high, Esra decided to sniff an aerosol deodorant can, unaware of the severe consequences it would bring. Immediately, she suffered cardiac arrest and permanent brain damage. Esra’s parents received the devastating phone call that no parent ever wants to receive – “Come and get your daughter.”
Rushed to the hospital, there was hope that Esra’s strong heart and lungs would help her recover. However, her brain injury was beyond repair. After eight agonizing days on life support, Andrea and Paul had to make the heartbreaking decision to turn off the machines. Their pain is unimaginable, and they had to say goodbye to their beloved daughter while struggling to speak and remember their saddest day.
During the interview, Esra’s parents spoke about the difficulty of bringing family and friends to the hospital for a final farewell. They cuddled her until the end, cherishing every moment with their precious girl. The grief they experienced was unbearable for everyone in their family, including Esra’s siblings Imogen, Seth, and Charlie. The entire community was also deeply affected.
Andrea and Paul had never heard of chroming before their daughter’s tragic death. Now, they are determined to raise awareness and prevent other families from enduring the same pain. Chroming is a viral trend among teenagers, accessible through everyday items like deodorant, paint, hairspray, and markers. The consequences are dire, ranging from organ failure and seizures to heart attacks and suffocation.
It is crucial for parents to educate themselves and have open conversations with their children. By discussing the risks and dangers of chroming, parents can save lives and protect their kids from this deadly trend. Paul regrets not knowing about chroming sooner and wishes they could have had that conversation with Esra around their kitchen table.
Let’s support the Haynes family and honor Esra’s memory by sharing their story. By spreading awareness, we can empower parents and help them protect their children from this terrible trend. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Haynes family and all those who loved Esra. May her tragic story serve as a reminder to us all to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our children.
Watch the heartbreaking interview here:
