Analyzing two anonymous cases of Mummification bondage death
- Wacky Otter12
- Aug 10
- 5 min read
Hello, welcome to the second part of my three part blog. I recommend firstly reading Mummification Safety (ft. RandyMummify) before reading this section. I also think you should review the associated links before reading my analysis. Forewarning that the second case study is quite violent and the subject matter of this blog is quite gruesome. Despite that, I think anyone interested in any kind of bondage should confront the possible consequences that are present.
Self-Mummification Death
From this case study posted by the American Academy of Forensic Science, an anonymous man was found dead in a mummified state. While some conclusions point toward a second individual’s involvement, I think approaching from both perspectives of self-induced and second party promote safety. Although the header that states “presented as a possible homicide” leads me to lean toward the theory of self-bondage.
>The self-bondage angle
I always read self-bondage tutorials with apprehension and concern. Especially the mummification ones. Typically, this involves making a tarp of duct tape that can be rolled on and into a mummification. A very dangerous complication of self-bondage is that bondage is inherently tiring for the person tied. Sense of time gets warped and strength can easily get exhausted by panic. This is why I think the restriction of both hands is incredibly dangerous when alone.
I get the impression that the diapers indicate the man intended to be bound for an extended period of time. I have no doubt that they got tired.
Likely feeling difficulty breathing from the gag pushing on the upper airway, the man began to panic and attempted to free themselves. Though the efforts were made even more complicated from a lack of air. This is a good example of how dangerous gags can become.
>Second individual angle
There is room for interpretation that a second individual. As the article calls it an “initial theory” though, I doubt this is likely. I still think this should encourage others to be careful about meeting with people advertising mummification, one of the more common requests that I have seen online. You should have people at least ready to check in on you within a certain time frame. Perhaps they panicked and fled the scene, trying to undo the tape. I think though that most individuals would have firstly tried to free the mouth, which was not done.
>Notes
From this case I hope lessons can be taken away regarding the risk of self-bondage and hidden dangers that might not seem so obvious. Notably, the expansion of the cloth gag led to asphyxiation.
Negligence so bad, its Homicide
Case one of this article from the American Academy of Forensic Science is relevant for later, but I would like to focus on case two due to its incredibly violent nature. This returns back to safety in vetting people and being careful about who you trust to tie you. While there is a possibility that this was consensual-non-consent, I suspect the comments regarding the woman's struggle are to clarify that this was unlikely.
Any degree of oxygen deprivation is incredibly dangerous, and the tan-brown fluid mentioned leaking out from her nose gives a clear picture as to what happened. The human body has a chance of vomiting under oxygen deprivation, and because she vomited while semi or completely unconscious, the gag and cough reflex is inhibited. Even had those reflexes been working, her mouth was covered. In the end, the gastric contents filled her airways, resulting in her death. Regardless if consent was present, the consequence was all the same
>Notes
While the perpetrator may not have meant to kill her given the state the room was found in, severe abuse took place. This case highlights the danger of strangers, as well as the danger that oxygen deprivation can pose. This case very much highlight's what Randy Mummify was warning about regarding the danger a master/slave dynamic can pose.
The perpetrator clearly did not keep in mind the victim's well being. The victim might have even previously agreed to endure such an ordeal. Regardless, this highlights the need for such education and a acknowledgement of the dangerous attitudes that can lead to serious consequences.
Again, telling people not to do something tends to not work. I understand that the dynamic is to many peoples entertainment and pleasure, this should be a reminder to both parties of the dynamic need to be aware of the dangers posed. The attitudes of Macho and Impulsivity on the part of the one tying, and the one being tied to avoid resignation and invulnerability.
Conclusions
These cases are instances where substance abuse clearly had no role in the death of these individuals. Instead, both cases saw the individuals die from asphyxiation that can be attributed to being gagged. While the circumstances of both cases are different, they still enable valuable insight as to lessons that people should take away from. To me, the amount of fatalities that have taken place in mummification warrants extra caution. Physical distress becomes more difficult to notice when so much of the body is covered, and any adverse reaction a body might have are made not just only more sensitive, but all the more serious.
I especially want to emphasize how dangerous and unrealistic attitudes regarding the treatment of those being mummified are important to keep in check by those doing the mummifying, in particular, those of Macho and Impulsivity. Think first before tying, take a step back and really think about all the details. Do not allow your ego to forget that you are responsible for a human being and not an object to be tortured. Those being mummified are also not free of critique; keep in mind that the dangerous attitudes of invulnerability and resignation are to be kept in mind as well. These risks can happen to you, and you must maintain personal awareness of limitations. Someone with the desire to be a ‘slave’ might be particular vulnerable to resigning themselves to dangerous activity, always speak up for yourself when something does not feel right. No fulfilling of kink is worth putting your life on the line for. It should also be at the one tying's discretion of what they are uncomfortable with doing as well, a dangerous request from someone being tied should not be taken at face value. For more on dangerous attitudes, check out my blog "Risk Assessment In Shibari - Dangerous Attitudes."
Notes/References
American Academy of Forensic Science
American Academy of Forensic Science : Accident and Homicide
American Academy of Forensic Science : Unusual Case of Accidental Death
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