Erotic asphyxiation isn't exactly common, but it isn't exactly uncommon, either. It is often purposely misreported by both media and coroners/police as suicide or "accidental," the second of which wouldn't even be technically lying.
Suicide is itself often purposely misreported, for the same reason; to protect relatives and others close to the deceased from being shunned or ridiculed.
Erotic asphyxiation isn't exactly common, but it isn't exactly uncommon, either. It is often purposely misreported by both media and coroners/police as suicide or "accidental," the second of which wouldn't even be technically lying.
Suicide is itself often purposely misreported, for the same reason; to protect relatives and others close to the deceased from being shunned or ridiculed.