US | Justin Butler 'Choking Game' Blamed in Teen's Bowflex Death Parents think 16-year-old was playing game to get high By Matthew Posted Sep 22, 2010 4:18 PM CDT Posted Sep 22, 2010 4:18 PM CDT Promoted on Newser Sep 22, 2010 5:11 PM CDT Copied File photo. A teen football player's death has been blamed on the 'choking game.' (AP) A Sacramento-area high school football player who died while using a Bowflex machine was apparently playing a variation of what's known as the "choking game." The parents of 16-year-old Justin Butler told FOX40 News he likely died while attempting to play the game, which deprives an individual of oxygen for a short period of time so they can achieve a drug-like high. Authorities have ruled out suicide as the cause of death. The coroner has not confirmed what killed Butler. Read These Next JD Vance in hot water over birthday boating trip. Two state troopers were shot in Pennsylvania "Rock's forgotten genius" said no to Led Zeppelin. Kelly Clarkson's ex died a day after she disclosed he was ill. Report an error