What is the definition of Traumatic asphyxiation as in the death of Yale student Annie Le?
The chief state’s medical examiner said Wednesday that a Yale University graduate student whose body was found stuffed inside a basement wall died of traumatic asphyxiation. Dr. Wayne Carver’s office released the results three days after the body of 24-year-old Annie Le was found in a Yale medical school research building. Carver had previously announced Le’s death as a homicide. Police released a Yale University animal research technician from custody Wednesday after collecting DNA samples and questioning him in Le’s killing. Raymond Clark III was taken into custody Tuesday night at his apartment in Middletown, Conn., and was released into the custody of his attorney early Wednesday, New Haven police said. Clark’s attorney, David Dworski, of Fairfield, said Wednesday his client is “committed to proceeding appropriately with the authorities.” He would not comment further. AP Photo/Courtesy Union Mine High School This undated photo provided by Union Mine High School shows Annie Le, left
Asphyxia (from Greek a-, “without” and σφυγμός (sphygmos), “pulse, heartbeat”) is a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from being unable to breathe normally. An example of asphyxia is choking. Asphyxia causes generalized hypoxia, which primarily affects the tissues and organs. A common form of asphyxiation is from entering a low oxygen atmosphere or an inert atmosphere – such as a food oil tanks, that have a covering blanket of nitrogen or argon to shield the oil from atmospheric oxygen, thus preventing rancidity. The body creates the need to breathe from the excess carbon dioxide in the lungs; and yet the body has no way to detect the absence of oxygen. Many gases, though non-toxic, are classified as simple asphyxiants in their pure form or in high concentrations for this very reason. In the absence or near absence of sufficient oxygen to sustain life people act normally; and with no warning, they simply feel dizzy and then black out in a matter o
Traumatic asphyxiation is characterized as a severe compression of the thorax, or the chest, and is sometimes called “crush asphyxiation”. The method of choking requires intense pressure on the victim, comparable to the way a python kills its prey. A short statement about the autopsy was released Wednesday by Dr. Wayne Carver’s office. The report comes three days after 24-year-old Annie Le was found hidden inside the basement wall of a Yale medical school research building. Police have called Yale lab technician Raymond Clark III a “person of interest” in the case and have collected DNA and other physical evidence. No charges have been filed. Sources: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/09/16/crimesider/entry5315551.
