A Positional Asphyxia in an Unusual Place (a Laundry).

Korean J Leg Med. 2005 May;29(1):64-68. Korean.

Division of Forensic Medicine, National Institute of Scientific Investigation, Korea. cheyys@unitel.co.kr

Department of Forensic Medicine, Catholic University Medical School, Korea.

Authors had experienced an unusual case of asphyxial death. A healthy woman was found dead in a laundry nakedly with her forearms being firmly fitted between inner tub and outer case of laundry. It was very difficult to explain why the woman was found in a narrow and small laundry tub nakedly. The autopsy findings were as following : Only small external bruises and excoriations were on trunk, arms and knees. On internal examinations there were no particular diseases and traumas. So to determine the manner and cause of death, it was essential to examine the place and the laundry. After investigation of the death scene and the laundry, we concluded that the woman was dead because of asphyxiation due to mechanical interference with pulmonary ventilation resulting from the unusual body position in the small laundry. Drunken state might be a crucial factor to death.

Key Words : Death scene, Asphyxia, Laundry