The daughter of Mike Tyson, famous as a one-time heavyweight boxing champion, and infamous for his sometimes odd and violent behaviour, is grieving the loss of his daughter Exodus, who accidentally strangled on  a treadmill cord at the boxer’s home.

The four-year-old is thought to have slipped or put her head through the loop formed by the treadmill cord, which was hanging under the piece of exercise equipment. She was discovered by her older brother and was removed from the cord by her mother, who attempted to revive her without success. She was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead one day later.

Unfortunately, accidents such as this one happen all too frequently, leaving grieving families to suffer guilt as well as the grief that any parent experiences as a result of the death of a child. According to the CDC, in 2004, 963 children died as a result of an unintentional choking injury; 88% of these deaths occurred in children aged 4 and under.

Here are some facts to help you prevent such an accident from occurring in your home to someone you love:

-The majority of these types of accidents occur in the home

-Common items that present a strangulation hazard include

• Drawstrings

• Necklaces

• Ribbons

• Window blinds and drapery cords

• Pacifier strings

-Children under the age of 4 years are 15 times more likely to experience a suffocation-type death than children aged 5 to 14

-Openings that allow a child’s body but are too small for the child’s head present an entrapment and strangulation risk. Items that have caused injury and death include

• Cribs

• Playground equipment

• Bunk beds

• Strollers

• Carriages

• High chairs

To prevent such injuries, closely supervise small children. It is recommended that all people who have small children, or who have small children visiting them often, child-proof the home. Because not all accidents can be prevented, it is also recommended that a child CPR course be taken by those old enough in the house.

Related Links:

How to Chose Safe Toys for Tots from Health Guru

Injury Facts-Airway Obstruction  from Safe Kids USA

Airway Instruction Injury from Prevent Injury.org