Positional asphyxia: accidental death due to head-down position in a badger sett.

Abstract

Death from positional asphyxia occurs when the victim is found in a position that interferes with adequate breathing. We present an unusual case of a 67-yearold man who was found deceased trapped in a badger sett. The autopsy revealed marked congestion, cyanosis and a multitude of pinpoint hemorrhages in the face, neck and upper chest. Confluent scleral and conjunctival hemorrhage were observed and numerous petechial bleedings were found in the oral mucosa and within the reflected scalp. Death was attributed to positional asphyxia due to head-down position in a badger sett.