An uncommon suicide method: Self-strangulation by vehicle-assisted ligature

Abstract

Self-strangulation is a very uncommon method of suicide. Deaths by vehicle-assisted ligature are rarely published and mainly related to decapitation. We report an unusual case of self-strangulation where a body was found dead inside a car with a rope round his neck and tied to a bridge banister. The rope was broken at 20 meters from the vehicle while the victim was driving his car away. The manner of death was determined as suicide based on objective scene investigation, autopsy and witness testimony. This case is reported for its rarity due to the method of suicide employed by the victim and because it was not related to decapitation.

Keywords

• Motor-vehicle assisted suicide
• Self-strangulation
• Ligature strangulation
• Suicide
• Forensic pathology