Video game addiction kills 20-year-old Xbox fan

A male aged 20 has been killed by a blood clot caused by playing his Xbox for up to 12 hours at a time, according to The Sun.

A post mortem revealed that Chris Staniforth - addicted to games such as Halo - had suffered a deep vein thrombosis.

It can be triggered by sitting in one position for long spells.

Stunned dad David, of Sheffield, said: "He lived for his Xbox. I never dreamed he was in any danger. As a parent you think playing computer games can't do them any harm because you know what they are doing. 

Chris collapsed seconds after telling a friend how he had been experiencing a strange sensation in his chest.

Chris's friend called an ambulance - but paramedics could not save him. 

A coroner yesterday confirmed DVT had caused Chris's death and it was cited on his death certificate. 

He did not have a history of ill health and had no underlying medical complications. 

DVT is a blood clot which develops in the legs or lower torso, often when the suffer's movement is restricted for long spells. 

If the clot travels up the veins to the lungs, it can cause a fatal blockage known as a pulmonary embolism. 

DVT used to mainly strike passengers on long-haul flights who sat for hours in the same position. 

But in recent years it has increasingly been seen among those who sit for longs spells in front of computer screens. 

David, 54, of Sheffield, told yesterday how Chris would sit for hours engrossed in games such as Halo, in which players battle invading aliens.

Xbox makers Microsoft were quoted in the Sun as saying: "We recommend gamers take breaks to exercise as well as make time for other pursuits."