Heartbroken family calling for action after 13-year-old’s death from ‘chroming’
The heartbroken parents of a 13-year-old girl who died after inhaling dangerous chemicals from a deodorant can are on a mission to make their daughter’s life count.
Esra Haynes, a Year 8 student at Lilydale High School in Melbourne’s outer east, went into cardiac arrest and sustained irreparable brain damage after taking part in an increasingly popular trend called “chroming” while at a friend’s sleepover on March 31, 2023.
Her parents, Paul and Andrea, never saw it coming.
“It was just the regular routine of going to hang out with her mates,” mom Andrea told “A Current Affair.”
The heartbroken parents of a 13-year-old girl who died after inhaling dangerous chemicals from a deodorant can are on a mission to make their daughter’s life count.
Esra Haynes, a Year 8 student at Lilydale High School in Melbourne’s outer east, went into cardiac arrest and sustained irreparable brain damage after taking part in an increasingly popular trend called “chroming” while at a friend’s sleepover on March 31, 2023.
Her parents, Paul and Andrea, never saw it coming.
“It was just the regular routine of going to hang out with her mates,” mom Andrea told “A Current Affair.”
“To get this phone call at that time of night, (it) was one of the calls no parent ever wants to have to receive and we unfortunately got that call: ‘Come and get your daughter.’
“We’ve got the pictures in our mind which will never be erased, you know, of what we were confronted with.”
Paramedics were working to revive Esra at the scene and told Andrea the teenager had been “chroming” — a dangerous and growing craze, particularly among teenagers, where chemicals in aerosol cans are inhaled for a quick high.
That high proved fatal for the “beautiful” and “cheeky” Esra, who was rushed to the hospital in an unresponsive state and placed on life support.
But eight days later, doctors said “her brain was damaged beyond repair,” and the family decided to turn off the machines.
“They’re asking us to bring a family, friends to say goodbye to our 13-year-old daughter,” Paul told “A Current Affair.”
“It was a very, very difficult thing to do to such a young soul.”
Esra’s parents and older siblings Imogen, Seth and Charlie “cuddled her until the end.”
The 13-year-old Victorian girl is the latest in a number of Australian teenagers to die after “chroming.”
In 2019, a 16-year-old New South Wales boy died after inhaling an aerosol. In 2021, a 16-year-old girl in Queensland suffered brain damage from chroming.
And in 2022, another 16-year-old boy from the state died after sniffing deodorant.
A number of Coles and Woolworths supermarkets across Australia started locking up their deodorant cans in 2021 following a rise in thefts of the basic grocery item, and amid concerns about rising rates of chroming.
In the wake of Esra’s death, the Victorian Education Department accelerated efforts to provide schoolchildren with information about the dangers of chroming, and medical experts have spoken about its dangers.
But Paul and Andrea are calling for more action and widespread change to stop another family from having to face the same heartbreak.
They want aerosol manufacturers to change deodorant formulas so they are safer, for CPR to be taught in all schools across Australia — and for those first aid skills to be refreshed every two years.
“For me, it’s a pistol sitting on the shelf,” Paul said of the deodorant cans.
“We need the manufacturers to step up and really change the formulation or the propellants.”
He also said there needs to be tighter scrutiny on social media, which the Hayneses believe is how Esra learned about chroming, “to really lock down on the loopholes” that kids slip through to get access to “adult content.”
But most importantly, they want kids and their families to know the consequences of chroming.
“Kids don’t look beyond the next day, they really don’t. And especially not knowing how it can affect them,” Paul said.
“Esra would never have done this if she would have known the consequences.”
“But the ripple effect is that this is absolutely devastating,” Andrea added.
“We’ve got no child to bring home or anything.”
The Hayneses have lost a daughter and sibling, Esra’s Australian Football League club has lost a teammate and co-captain, her friends have lost a friend, and a community has lost a promising young woman.
Yet, despite their heartbreak, the Hayneses are buoyed by carrying on their daughter’s name.
“We need to talk about it,” Paul said. “Her name meant ‘helper’ so that’s what we’re here to do.”
LUCK OF 12 ZODIAC SIGNS IN 2025
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – New opportunities arise, but impulsive decisions may backfire.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Passionate encounters, but patience is needed for long-term stability.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good for investments, but avoid reckless spending.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Energy levels fluctuate; balance work and rest.
Lucky Days: Tuesday, Friday
Lucky Colors: Red, White
Lucky Numbers: 9, 11, 22
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Steady growth, recognition for past efforts.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Romantic stability, but minor misunderstandings.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Favorable time for long-term investments.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Watch out for stress-related issues.
Lucky Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Lucky Colors: Green, Pink
Lucky Numbers: 6, 15, 24
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Changes ahead, adaptability is key.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Exciting new connections and deepening bonds.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Be cautious with risky investments.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good, but maintain a consistent routine.
Lucky Days: Monday, Thursday
Lucky Colors: Yellow, Blue
Lucky Numbers: 3, 5, 14
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Challenges ahead, but perseverance pays off.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Emotional growth, deepening connections.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Be mindful of unnecessary expenses.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Prioritize mental well-being.
Lucky Days: Sunday, Monday
Lucky Colors: Silver, White
Lucky Numbers: 2, 7, 16
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Recognition, success, and leadership growth.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Charisma attracts new possibilities.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Profitable ventures, but avoid extravagance.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion.
Lucky Days: Sunday, Wednesday
Lucky Colors: Gold, Orange
Lucky Numbers: 1, 10, 19
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Attention to detail brings success.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Avoid overanalyzing relationships.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Smart budgeting leads to stability.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Strong health, but avoid overworking.
Lucky Days: Wednesday, Friday
Lucky Colors: Navy, Beige
Lucky Numbers: 5, 14, 23
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Smooth collaborations and partnerships.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Romance is thriving, commitment strengthens.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good fortune in negotiations.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Maintain balance in lifestyle choices.
Lucky Days: Tuesday, Saturday
Lucky Colors: Pink, Blue
Lucky Numbers: 4, 6, 18
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Strategic moves lead to promotions.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Passionate and intense love life.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent for wealth accumulation.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Focus on emotional well-being.
Lucky Days: Monday, Thursday
Lucky Colors: Black, Dark Red
Lucky Numbers: 8, 13, 21
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Unexpected changes, adaptability is key.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Exciting adventures and new relationships.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good time for travel-related investments.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Stay active to maintain high energy.
Lucky Days: Thursday, Sunday
Lucky Colors: Purple, Turquoise
Lucky Numbers: 3, 9, 12
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Hard work brings rewards.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Take time to nurture relationships.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent financial management skills.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Avoid work-related stress.
Lucky Days: Tuesday, Saturday
Lucky Colors: Dark Green, Brown
Lucky Numbers: 4, 8, 22
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Innovation brings success.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Avoid overthinking relationships.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good time for smart investments.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Prioritize mental health.
Lucky Days: Wednesday, Sunday
Lucky Colors: Blue, Silver
Lucky Numbers: 7, 11, 29
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
- Overall Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Career Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Creativity leads to success.
- Love Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Soulful connections deepen.
- Financial Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good financial stability.
- Health Luck: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Stay hydrated and avoid stress.
Lucky Days: Thursday, Monday
Lucky Colors: Sea Green, Lavender
Lucky Numbers: 3, 9, 18