Elanora Heights, NSW: Teenager who died of suspected choking remembered by friends, boyfriend

Friends of a 16-year-old girl who was died from suspected choking during consensual sex are paying tribute to the “beautiful girl”.

Emergency services were called on August 23 to a home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches for a welfare check.

When they arrived at the Elanora Heights property, a 16-year-old girl was found unresponsive by paramedics and treated at the scene before being transported to hospital in a critical condition.

The teenager died on Tuesday night, police said on Wednesday.

It is believed the 16-year-old died from suspected choking during a consensual sex act with a male known to her of the same age.

The Daily Telegraph reported that the boy told police they had been engaged in a consensual act when she passed out, and that she may have had a seizure.

Police declined to confirm reports detectives were investigating sexual choking as a possible factor in the death.

An investigation into her death is ongoing and no one has been arrested or charged.

NSW Police told The Nightly on Tuesday that there were “ no updates” in the investigation.

Social media tributes are flowing for the girl, with many friends celebrating her “beautiful soul”.

The Daily Mail reported that her boyfriend commented on one of the tributes to the 16-year-old.

“I love you more than anything and I miss you more than you could ever imagine,” he wrote.

“Rest peacefully my love.”

One friend posted a montage of the 16-year-old dancing, laughing, and cartwheeling with her friends.

“You were the first friend i ever made at (school), you are such a beautiful girl inside and out,” the caption read.

“i love and miss you so so much thank you for all the memories we have made together i will forever cherish them.

“you hold such a special place in my heart miss you forever my rangaxx.”

In most of the clips, the teen was wearing her school uniform.

Commenters mourned the teenager below the post.

“Fly high to the sweetest girl I ever met,” wrote one.

“You were such a beautiful and kind soul I have never met someone more loving and caring.

“Forever 16.”

In another post seen by The Daily Mail, her best friend shared a series of images of the two of them together.

“It truly breaks my heart to see one of my best friends go at such a young age,” the caption read.

“The love I have for you is indescribable and I can’t believe I never get to see your beautiful face again

“I’m gonna miss my buddy that was always down to do things with me that no one else wanted to do.

“You are the most beautiful soul I know and I don’t know how I’m gonna do life without you.”

‘No safe way of choking’

Independent MP Zali Steggall mentioned the reports after a national cabinet meeting on Wednesday affirmed a commitment to ending gender-based violence.

She said agreed measures were weak and pushed for more action, including a respectful relationship education campaign.

“My call for a national education campaign has been underscored by the devastating news today of the death of a 16-year-old Northern Beaches girl,” Ms Steggall said in a statement.

“My thoughts are with her family, friends and community at this incredibly difficult time.”

Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said there was no safe way to engage in choking.

“I’m sure I’ve said it to you in the past almost 60 per cent of young people report they’ve experienced choking in a recent sexual encounter,” she told ABC Radio on Thursday morning.

“I can’t say anything, obviously, about this tragic situation in NSW ... but in general terms, figures like that just concern me so deeply.”

“There is no safe way of choking someone. Parents have to use this opportunity to talk to their young people.”

A survey of 4702 Australians between 18 and 35 in 2024 found 57 per cent of respondents had been choked during sex at least once.

One-third of those respondents reported it occurring for the first time between 19 and 21.

Of women alone, 61 per cent reported having been strangled.

The report’s co-author noted choking in a sexual context could lead to serious brain injuries including memory loss and issues problem-solving.

“It doesn’t matter if there are no apparent injuries, or whether the person consented,” Professor Heather Douglas said at the time.

“Brain injury can also be incremental - getting a bit worse with each choking - and the person may not know they have suffered a brain injury. The effects of repeated strangling are insidious and build over time.”

- With AP

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.

Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.