Tragic Viral Trend Claims the Life of 13-Year-Old Esra Haynes: A Family’s Heartbreaking Story
Australia’s Ally Langdon was visibly emotional as she shared the devastating story of a young family forced to confront the unthinkable—the loss of their daughter due to a dangerous viral trend. Andrea and Paul Haynes bravely opened up on A Current Affair about the heartbreak of losing their beloved 13-year-old, Esra.
Esra’s death was linked to “chroming,” a perilous activity in which teens inhale toxic chemicals from everyday household items—deodorant sprays, paint, hairspray, or permanent markers—to experience a brief, euphoric high. Glamourized on social media, chroming has tragically claimed the lives of many vulnerable teenagers.
Described by friends, family, and teammates as “determined, fun, cheeky, and talented,” Esra was a vibrant young athlete. She co-captained the Montrose Football Netball Club, competed in BMX racing with her brothers, and led her aerobics team to a national championship in Queensland. Her energy, talent, and spirit made her a beacon of joy in her community.
But on the evening of March 31, what should have been a carefree sleepover turned into a nightmare. Like many teens drawn into the viral trend, Esra inhaled aerosol deodorant. The high was short-lived—and fatal. She went into cardiac arrest, sustaining severe and irreversible brain damage. Andrea recounted, “It was just the regular routine of going to hang out with her mates.” Paul added, “We always knew where she was and who she was with… To get that phone call late at night was the kind no parent ever wants. Unfortunately, we got it—the call telling us to come and get our daughter.”
Esra’s friends initially thought she was having a panic attack, unaware of the medical emergency unfolding before them. When Andrea arrived, paramedics were desperately trying to revive her. It was then she learned about chroming, a term that had never crossed her mind. Despite the heroic efforts of medical staff, Esra’s condition was grave.
Rushed to the hospital, her parents clung to hope, believing her strong heart and lungs might prevail. But after eight harrowing days on life support, doctors delivered the crushing news: Esra’s brain damage was irreversible. Andrea and Paul faced the unimaginable decision to turn off the machine keeping their daughter alive. Paul described the painful farewell: “It was a very, very difficult thing to do to such a young soul. We laid her on a bed so we could hold her, and we cuddled her until the very end.”
Langdon, a mother herself, struggled to hold back tears as she witnessed the raw grief and courage of the Haynes family.
Since Esra’s passing in early April, the family remains shattered. Her siblings—Imogen, Seth, and Charlie—grieve the loss of their sister. Paul reflected on the ripple effect of the tragedy: “It was devastating for everyone involved, including her friends. It’s been the most difficult, traumatic time any parent could face. We haven’t been sleeping, eating, or smiling—we’re not ourselves. But it’s not just us; the whole community has felt the pain.”
Before Esra’s death, the Haynes family had never heard of chroming. Now, they are determined to raise awareness of its dangers. Paul described chroming as an alarming trend among teens seeking instant gratification, using household items that are easily accessible and deadly.
“If we had known about chroming,” Paul said, “we would have had those important conversations with Esra around our kitchen table. Kids need to hear the facts firsthand, not just through friends or social media. Parents need to sit down and talk with their children—we certainly didn’t know until it was too late.”
Chroming has been linked to numerous deaths in Australia and worldwide since 2009. The practice can lead to seizures, heart attacks, suffocation, coma, and sudden death. Despite the risks, its popularity persists among teens chasing a fleeting thrill.
Paul’s haunting words capture the family’s anguish: “We have images in our minds that will never be erased. Our gut was completely ripped out by what we saw and experienced.” The pain of deciding to take their young daughter off life support is almost impossible to fathom.
By sharing their story, the Haynes family hopes to educate parents, teachers, and communities, ensuring young people understand the extreme dangers of chroming and similar viral trends. Together, we can protect children and prevent these heartbreaking tragedies from repeating.
