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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology 4/2017

01-12-2017 | Case Report

A tree branch instead of a ligature: an unusual accidental hanging

Authors: Amal Nishantha Vadysinghe, Murugupillai Sivasubramanium, Rankothge Pemasiri Jayasooriya

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 4/2017

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Abstract

A unique case of accidental hanging due to compression of the neck of an adult by the branches of a coffee tree is reported. The decedent was a 42-year-old male who was found dead in a semi prone position on a slope. His neck was lodged in a wedge formed by two branches of a coffee tree, with his legs angled downwards on the slope. Autopsy revealed two friction abrasions located horizontally on either side of the front of the neck, just above the larynx. The findings were compatible with compression of the neck by the branches of the tree, with the body weight of the decedent contributing to compression. Subsequent complete autopsy examination confirmed the cause of death as hanging. Following an inquest the death was ruled to be accidental.
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Metadata
Title
A tree branch instead of a ligature: an unusual accidental hanging
Authors
Amal Nishantha Vadysinghe
Murugupillai Sivasubramanium
Rankothge Pemasiri Jayasooriya
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-017-9902-5

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