Why can't we call it what it is?

Headline: Thai police: Carradine death may be accidental

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/06/05/20090605Carradine05-ON.html

First of all, let me say that this is a tragedy. I was a big fan of his work and especially enjoyed the "Kung Fu" series. I would also like to extend my condolences to his family and close friends. He will be missed.

Now onto the other part. I'm not sure why the "drive by media" as Rush Limbaugh likes to call them, insists on avoiding the stating of the obvious. Oh, but let an emergency situation flare up and the speculation and conjecture fly out of their mouths like vomit. I think the first paragraph gives us a clear picture.

BANGKOK - The body of American actor David Carradine, best known for the 1970s TV series "Kung Fu," was found in a hotel room closet with a rope tied to his neck and genitals, and his death may have been caused by accidental suffocation, Thai police said Friday.

A few years ago, the media would have just said it, and they said it often. Now it is taboo. So, I'll say it. He died of Autoerotic Asphyxiation. Here is what Wikipedia says http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erotic_asphyxiation.

In some fatality cases, the body of the asphyxiophilic individual is discovered naked or with genitalia in hand, with pornographic magazines nearby, with dildos or other sex toys present, or with evidence of having orgasmed prior to death. Bodies found at the scene of an accidental death often show evidence of other paraphilic activities, such as fetishistic cross-dressing and masochism.

Sounds like it to me.