Bay Area first responders see rise in 'chemical suicides'

HILLSBOROUGH, Calif. (KGO) -- First responders cordoned off a Hillsborough neighborhood Sunday night after they found a young man dead in his car. He'd committed what's being called "chemical suicide." Authorities say it's a disturbing trend among young suicide victims.

Thousands of cases of chemical suicides have been reported in Japan. It became almost cult-like.

"It originated in Japan, and then turned into something that ended up being more significant," said Deputy Chief John Kammeyer with the Central Coast Fire Department. "So it was sort of copycat type of thing and it became significant by way of the Internet."

And now, they're on the rise in here. The latest happened Sunday night in Hillsborough.

The coroner still has not released cause of death but police believe the young man, who was about 18 years old, died from inhaling the toxic gas hydrogen sulfide.

Police and firefighters found the man slumped over in his car on the 1000 block of Hayne Road in Hillsborough at about 9:30 p.m.

The first responding officer was overcome by fumes when he opened the car door. He was treated and released at the scene.

Police cordoned off the area while hazmat crews and the county's terrorism counter assault team were called in. All wore protective clothing

"We've had an uptick in these in the county and that's why we've received additional training on how to deal with them," said Hillsborough Police Department Captain Doug Davis.

This is the second reported chemical suicide on the Peninsula and in the South Bay in the past month.

In late Sept., two people -- a father and son -- were found dead in their apartment in Mountain View. They also died from inhaling hydrogen sulfide.

In both cases, first responders reported a strong odor of rotten eggs, an indicator of the lethal gas. Hydrogen sulfide is produced by mixing common household chemicals. It can quickly reach lethal concentrations in confined spaces.

There is a twisted protocol among many who commit chemical suicide.

"A lot of times, people who engage in chemical suicide will leave a warning note on the door saying 'caution chemicals' or 'call the authorities,'" Davis said.

Police tell ABC7 News the suicide victim did follow that ritual last night -- he left a warning pasted on the car door.