A community in Sydney is mourning the death of a 16-year-old girl, who died in hospital this week following an incident police are now investigating.
What happened
Police were called to Elanora Heights on Sunday, where the girl was found unresponsive and flown to Royal North Shore Hospital, where she died on Tuesday. According to reports, officers were told the girl had been with her boyfriend, also 16, and lost consciousness during the encounter, with a possible seizure also raised as a factor by those involved. NSW Police have launched an investigation into her death, with her boyfriend assisting authorities with their inquiries.
Tributes from friends
The girl, who hasn't been publicly named, has been remembered by friends online as someone who brought warmth and joy to those around her. Tributes have included videos of her dancing and laughing with friends, alongside messages describing her as kind and full of life. Her boyfriend also shared a tribute, expressing how much he loved and missed her.
A wider concern raised by officials
The case has prompted comment from Australia's Social Services Minister, Tanya Plibersek, who said she was deeply concerned after learning of the circumstances surrounding the death. Referencing a recent study from the University of Melbourne and University of Queensland, which found a large proportion of young people report experiencing choking during sexual encounters, Plibersek said there is no safe way to engage in the practice, and pointed to pornography as a significant factor shaping young people's understanding of sex before they've had any real-world experience or guidance.
She encouraged parents to use moments like this to have direct conversations with their children about the risks involved, rather than leaving it to be shaped entirely by what they encounter online.
