According to one estimate, there are 500 to 1000 autoerotic deaths every year in the United States.
In some cases autoerotic fatalities are not initially recognized, and are confused with suicide.
External links
http://www.law_forensic.com/autoerotic-2.htm
http://www.corpus_delicti.com/auto.html
http://www.silentvictims.org/
PubMed: Autoerotic fatalities with power hydraulics (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list-uids=8454997&dopt=Abstract)
PubMed: Unusual fatal mechanisms in nonasphyxial autoerotic death. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list-uids=10739230&dopt=Abstract)
PubMed: Death from electrocution during autoerotic practice: case report and review of the literature. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list-uids=9662120&dopt=Abstract)
The Gallery of Unusual Instruments has collected photographs and information on such exotic instruments as the Beer Bottle Organ, the Cigar Box Guitar, and the Electric Bagpipes.
PubMed: Autoeroticfatalities with power hydraulics: “We report two cases in which men used the hydraulic shovels on tractors to suspend themselves for masochistic sexual stimulation.
One man developed a romantic attachment to a tractor, even giving it a name and writing poetry in its honor.”