CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Houston Man Dies After Becoming Trapped Inside Donation Box — Called 911 Saying "I Can't Breathe"

A 45-year-old man died after becoming trapped inside a Houston clothing donation box and calling 911 at about 1:36 a.m. on Nov. 24, saying he could not breathe. First responders arrived within three minutes but were unable to revive him. Authorities say the man likely entered headfirst to retrieve clothing, and the box's anti-theft mechanism closed around him. Officials described the death as a tragic accident with no signs of foul play; the charity that maintains the box offered condolences and an investigation is ongoing.

09:13 PM, 11/25/2025Society
Houston Man Dies After Becoming Trapped Inside Donation Box — Called 911 Saying "I Can't Breathe"

A 45-year-old man died after becoming trapped inside a clothing donation box in Houston and calling 911 to report he could not breathe, officials said.

Authorities received a distress call at about 1:36 a.m. on Nov. 24 reporting a person stuck inside a donation container. Emergency personnel arrived within three minutes and immediately began rescue efforts, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The individual got in the box and ended up turning himself in an awkward position to where it affected his breathing," Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said. "Even on the 911 call, he's heard saying, 'I can't breathe, I'm having problems breathing.'"

Officials said the man is believed to have been experiencing homelessness and entered the box headfirst to try to retrieve clothing. The donation container was equipped with an anti-theft mechanism, and investigators say the lid or opening began to close around him.

Assistant Deputy Chief Danny Garza said investigators believe a combination of the box closing around the man's upper body and his likely panic contributed to his breathing difficulty and subsequent death. "There are no signs of foul play," he added, calling the event a tragic accident.

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, which oversees the medical examiner, had not immediately commented. The charity responsible for the box issued a statement expressing condolences and saying the matter remains under investigation.

Similar incidents have occurred in the area: in June a man died after becoming trapped while attempting to access a donation box, and in April 2022 a woman became stuck while trying to retrieve clothing for a child.

Officials reminded the public that donation boxes are designed with anti-theft features and are not safe to enter. They urged anyone in need of clothing or other assistance to contact local shelters or outreach services rather than attempting to access donation containers.

Similar Articles

Trending