Sophie Bennett
Choking is a blockage of the upper airway by food or other objects, which prevents a person from breathing effectively. While choking can cause a simple coughing fit, a complete blockage of the airway may lead to death. There have been many notable choking deaths throughout history, including that of Roman Senator Lucius Fabius Cilo, who, according to Pliny the Elder, died during a feast after choking on a single hair in his cup of milk. Another famous person who died from choking was Jimi Hendrix, who choked on his aspirated vomit while unconscious. One of the most famous rumoured choking deaths is that of singer Cass Elliot, also known as Mama Cass, who, according to an urban myth, choked on a chicken bone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Mamma Cass |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack, possibly due to long-term drug use |
| Circumstances | Died in her sleep with no one else present |
| Rumor | Choked on a chicken bone (debunked) |
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What You'll Learn
- Mamma Cass choking on a chicken bone is rumoured to be an urban myth
- Elizabeth Taylor almost died from choking on a chicken bone
- Jimi Hendrix, the rock star, choked on his vomit
- Lucius Fabius Cilo, a Roman Senator, choked on a single hair in his milk
- Eustace, a disliked man who sacked a sacred monastery, choked on a plate of eels
Mamma Cass choking on a chicken bone is rumoured to be an urban myth
The death of Cass Elliot, also known as Mama Cass, has been the subject of much speculation, with one persistent rumour being that she choked to death on a chicken bone or a ham sandwich. However, there is significant evidence to suggest that this is indeed an urban myth.
Mama Cass, who had a history of drug addiction and weight fluctuations, died in her sleep on July 30, 1974. A partially eaten ham sandwich was found in her room, leading to speculation that she had choked on it. This theory was further fuelled by the fact that Mama Cass had a history of arrhythmia and had passed out a few months before her death.
However, the autopsy report and coroner's inquest concluded that Cass Elliot died from "fatty myocardial degeneration due to obesity", or a heart attack caused by fatty degeneration of the heart muscle fibre. No blockage was found in her mouth or throat, and it was noted that the sandwich by her bed had not been touched. The rumour of choking was reportedly spread by the first doctor who examined her, Dr. Anthony Greenburgh, who speculated to the press before the official findings were released.
The myth of Mama Cass choking on a sandwich has been criticised for perpetuating cruel jokes about her weight and physical appearance, implying that she brought about her own death through "gluttony". Her daughter has also publicly refuted the choking theory, attributing her death to heart failure potentially caused by past drug use.
In conclusion, while the exact cause of Mama Cass's death has been debated, there is strong evidence to suggest that she did not choke on a chicken bone or a ham sandwich. The persistence of this urban myth highlights the public's fascination with celebrity deaths and the tendency to sensationalise or blame the victim.
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Elizabeth Taylor almost died from choking on a chicken bone
Elizabeth Taylor, the famous actress, once almost died from choking on a chicken bone. The incident occurred in 1978 during a campaign dinner in Virginia, where her husband, John Warner, was running for the U.S. Senate. While eating a chicken breast, Taylor accidentally swallowed a two-inch bone, which lodged in her throat. She struggled to breathe and tried to dislodge the bone by coughing and eating soft bread, but to no avail.
Taylor was rushed to the nearby Lonesome Pine Hospital, where a thoracic surgeon, Dr. H.T. Patel, inserted a rubber hose down her throat to push the bone into her stomach. This procedure, though nonsurgical, revealed an underlying condition called Zenker's diverticulum, a stretching of the esophagus. The incident caused by the chicken bone brought sympathy from the public, which may have contributed to Warner's narrow victory in the Senate race.
Taylor bore a scar on her neck from the tracheotomy for the rest of her life. The near-death experience also impacted her career, as it occurred during a period where she was already facing limited movie roles due to her age and changing physical appearance. The incident drew even more attention to her role in Warner's campaign, with some questioning whether her Hollywood past and lifestyle would help or hurt his political aspirations.
The chicken bone incident with Elizabeth Taylor was so notable that it inspired a chapter in the novel "Big Stone Gap." While the book is a work of fiction, it drew inspiration from the real-life events surrounding Taylor's close call with choking. This event highlighted the fragility of life and the potential consequences of taking a seemingly harmless bite of food.
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Jimi Hendrix, the rock star, choked on his vomit
On September 18, 1970, Jimi Hendrix, one of the most influential guitarists and musicians in rock history, died in London. His death shocked the world, and the circumstances surrounding his passing have become part of the tragic mythology of rock and roll. Hendrix choked on his vomit, which is a stark and gruesome reality. This manner of death is often associated with drug and alcohol abuse, and in Hendrix's case, it was no different.
Hendrix had been out drinking with friends the night before, and according to those close to him, he had also taken nine sleeping pills. He retired to bed in a state of intoxication, and at some point during the night, he vomited and then aspirated, which led to his death by asphyxiation. His girlfriend, Monika Dannemann, was with him and reportedly tried to rouse him, believing he had only fainted. However, by the time an ambulance arrived, it was too late, and Hendrix was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
The autopsy report confirmed the cause of death as "inhalation of vomit after barbiturate intoxication and associated aspiration of vomitus." This manner of death is a stark reminder of the dangers of substance abuse, and in Hendrix's case, it was a tragic and untimely end to a brilliant career. His death served as a cautionary tale for the excesses of the rock star lifestyle, and it continues to be a reminder of the fragility of life and the potential consequences of drug and alcohol abuse.
Hendrix's death also sparked a series of conspiracy theories, with some speculating that he may have been murdered or that his death was somehow linked to the involvement of others. These theories persist to this day, with some even suggesting that Monika Dannemann may have played a role in his death. However, the official ruling of accidental death has never been disputed by any concrete evidence, and it remains the most likely explanation for his tragic passing.
In the end, Jimi Hendrix's death by choking on his vomit is a somber reminder of the dangers that the rock star lifestyle can present. His talent and influence on music were immeasurable, but his life was cut short in a tragic and avoidable manner. Hendrix's death continues to resonate as a warning to musicians and fans alike, and his legacy serves as a reminder to seek help and support when struggling with substance abuse issues. His story, while tragic, can also inspire conversations and awareness about the prevention of similar tragedies.
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Lucius Fabius Cilo, a Roman Senator, choked on a single hair in his milk
Choking is a blockage of the upper airway by food or other objects, which prevents a person from breathing effectively. Complete blockage of the airway may lead to death as no oxygen can enter the lungs.
One such tragic death was that of Lucius Fabius Cilo, a Roman senator and confidant of Septimius Severus. Cilo was one of the most wealthy and influential men in Rome during the 2nd century. Pliny the Elder claims that around 200, Cilo choked to death on a single hair in a cup of milk.
Cilo's career spanned several appointments, including military tribune with Legio XI Claudia, stationed in modern-day Silistra, and quaestor for the senatorial province of Crete and Cyrenaica. He rose to become a plebeian tribune and served as legate to the proconsul of Gallia Narbonensis. Cilo was twice Roman consul: first as suffect consul in 193 and then as ordinary consul in 204.
Cilo's importance grew after the death of Emperor Commodus, when he became a partisan of Septimius Severus. He was responsible for protecting Severus' sons, who were in Rome at the time. Following Severus' march on Rome, the new emperor bestowed upon Cilo the title of "comes Imperatoris," meaning "companion of the Emperor."
The story of Lucius Fabius Cilo serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the potential dangers of even the most mundane activities, such as drinking milk.
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Eustace, a disliked man who sacked a sacred monastery, choked on a plate of eels
Choking is a blockage of the upper airway, which prevents breathing and can lead to death. It is a cause of death that has claimed the lives of many, from influential politicians to iconic musicians.
One such person was Eustace, a man not well-liked during his lifetime. Eustace had sacked a sacred monastery at Bury St Edmunds, an act that further contributed to his negative reputation. During dinner one evening, Eustace choked on a plate of eels and died. This incident left a lasting impression, with people likely feeling a mix of shock and indifference due to Eustace's unpopularity.
Another famous individual whose death by choking was widely discussed was Mamma Cass. She was a well-known figure who allegedly choked on a chicken bone, specifically a ham sandwich. However, this was later proven to be a rumour, as she died in her sleep from a heart attack, possibly related to long-term drug use and prior episodes of arrhythmia.
Elizabeth Taylor, the famous actress, also had a close call with choking. She nearly died from choking on half a chicken and had to undergo a tracheotomy, leaving her with a permanent scar on her neck. This incident garnered much attention, even earning her a sympathy Golden Globe Award.
These incidents highlight the unexpected nature of choking and how it can affect anyone, regardless of their reputation or standing. It is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of being cautious, even during everyday activities like eating.
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Frequently asked questions
No, but Mamma Cass allegedly died from choking on a ham sandwich. Elizabeth Taylor nearly died from choking on a chicken bone.
Some other famous people who died from choking include:
- Roman Senator Lucius Fabius Cilo (choked on a hair in a cup of milk)
- Eustace (choked on a plate of eels)
- Henry (died from choking on lampreys)
- T.V. Soong (choked on a chicken sandwich)
- Bon Scott (choked on his own vomit)
Choking is caused by a blockage in the upper airway by food or other objects, preventing a person from breathing effectively.
Choking can cause a simple coughing fit, but a complete blockage of the airway may lead to death as no oxygen can enter the lungs.
Elizabeth Taylor nearly died from choking on a chicken bone and had to get a tracheotomy, bearing the scar on her neck for the rest of her life.
