Chris Hyndman of Steven and Chris has died

[Dushi]

Colleen Carney, director of the Sleep and Depression Laboratory at Ryerson University, said Hyndman’s death would be a tragic rarity if it was caused by a fatal sleepwalking accident.

“Injuries during sleepwalking tend to be mild, but there’s tremendous variability in sleepwalking and also the severity of it,” Carney said in a telephone interview.

Somnambulance is already an unusual disorder to encounter in adults.

Dr. Sat Sharma, medical director for Toronto’s Centre for Sleep and Chronobiology, said that less than one per cent of the adult population suffers from the condition that is most prevalent in childhood.

Sharma said the majority of sleepwalkers confine themselves to wandering in their homes and usually find themselves unable to perform complex tasks like unlocking doors or taking themselves further afield.

Such actions are possible, though, for those with particularly grave conditions. Sharma said risk of injury is “very serious” in such instances.


http://news.nationalpost.com/news/c...ile-sleepwalking-but-experts-say-its-unlikely

 

[Dushi]

Sharma said the majority of sleepwalkers confine themselves to wandering in their homes and usually find themselves unable to perform complex tasks like unlocking doors or taking themselves further afield.

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/c...ile-sleepwalking-but-experts-say-its-unlikely


All I can say is I would take every precaution I could think of if I had a loved one prone to sleepwalking

Even with the chance of something happening being so very slim

I wonder if Chris sought help for his condition

 

[Dushi]

CBC television personality Steven Sabados has broken his silence after the death of Chris Hyndman, saying in an emotional tribute that the spirit of his longtime partner and co-host of CBC 's Steven and Chris will endure.

"I, our families and friends, wish to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming expressions of tenderness, love and tribute in honour of my beloved Christopher," Sabados says in a statement released on the Steven and Chris Facebook page Friday morning.

"Our hearts are broken, but we find comfort knowing his generous, larger-than-life spirit lives on."

http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/chris-hyndman-s-partner-steven-sabados-our-hearts-are-broken-1.3182761

 

[SeriouslySearching]

Sharma said the majority of sleepwalkers confine themselves to wandering in their homes and usually find themselves unable to perform complex tasks like unlocking doors or taking themselves further afield.

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/c...ile-sleepwalking-but-experts-say-its-unlikely


All I can say is I would take every precaution I could think of if I had a loved one prone to sleepwalking

Even with the chance of something happening being so very slim

I wonder if Chris sought help for his condition

My niece suffered from sleepwalking and she could unlock doors easily. She was found outside of her hotel room wandering in the parking area or the hallways trying to open other doors. Once she got up, found a pair of scissors, and cut her comforter to shreds. She made it outside of her own home a few times and did suffer some slight injuries. She was given medication to tone it down after doing sleep studies. I haven't heard of any issues for a long time.

I could easily see Chris wandering onto his patio and going over the side without being cognizant of what he was doing.

 

[SeriouslySearching]

It's suicide, that's why nothing has been released. Any other cause we would hear about. The family may wish to deny that's what happened. That's not uncommon. The police have observed something conclusive that it's suicide. There's no awaiting autopsy results, no request for witnesses or suspects no way would this be sleepwalking without a major investigation. Hopefully he will be remembered for his life and not just his death. Robin Williams.

He would not have left without some dramatic exit. That just was not Chris from the stories I have heard from people who actually shared his life. There would have been a note, a video, and other things he would have left to Steven and others. It is simply who Chris was in his big boisterous life. I thought long and hard about a suicide here and unless they are hiding everything surrounding it (which they could be as they do things differently in Canada), I think his mom is correct and he was sleepwalking. It was a very tragic accident.

 

[katydid23]

I fully believe it could have been a sleepwalking incident. My son used to sleepwalk and I am so grateful that he has outgrown it, somehow. His wife says he still talks in his sleep a lot. But he does not get up and walk around like he did when he was growing up.

When someone is sleepwalking they are kind of hallucinating. Who knows what he saw when he looked over the balcony. It could have looked like a swimming pool, for all we know.

I remember once, when our son was about 7, he walked out to the livingroom about midnight. We had some friends over, and we all thought he was wide awake. He looked at us all, and said hello. I thought he wanted water or something, but he walked right over to a big potted palm plant, pulled down his PJ's and started to pee. LOL Hubby ran over and scooped him up and took him to the bathroom. He woke up as DH was running down the hall with him, and he was very confused. LOL

 

[winkipinki]

I would need to hear from someone who was directly involved that it was sleepwalking to believe that. Why wouldn't the statement today confirm that. It's because it was a suicide. However since it's really none of my business I can't expect to hear confirmation. I suspect at some point down the road the family will open up about it. Until then they will have to accept the speculation from the public. I hope they find a way to find some good in this tragedy.

 

[katydid23]

I would need to hear from someone who was directly involved that it was sleepwalking to believe that. Why wouldn't the statement today confirm that. It's because it was a suicide. However since it's really none of my business I can't expect to hear confirmation. I suspect at some point down the road the family will open up about it. Until then they will have to accept the speculation from the public. I hope they find a way to find some good in this tragedy.

But you don't KNOW for sure that it was a suicide. It might have been. But I remember thinking that a driver that was driving erratically was drunk. I was sure of it. Then I found out later that she had taken an Ambien, was asleep, and she got out of bed at 3 m and started to drive to work, for some reason, unknown to her. In a way, that is a form of sleep walking too. I wonder if he had taken some Ambien himself that night?

His tweets that night did not sound like a suicidal man. JMO He was talking about how nice it was to be home and how lovely his blooming flowers were looking in the garden.

 

[SeriouslySearching]

I would need to hear from someone who was directly involved that it was sleepwalking to believe that. Why wouldn't the statement today confirm that. It's because it was a suicide. However since it's really none of my business I can't expect to hear confirmation. I suspect at some point down the road the family will open up about it. Until then they will have to accept the speculation from the public. I hope they find a way to find some good in this tragedy.

I would consider his own mother as being "directly involved". It was her son and she would know above anyone except Steven.

There is a lovely photo of Chris and his mom with those same blue eyes.

Christopher Hyndman's mother heart-broken after son's sudden death

A devastated, sobbing Hyndman said, "Our hearts are broken," as she prepared to board a Toronto-bound flight at the Regina airport.

~Snip~

"I know Steven is having a very hard time right now," said Hyndman's mother. "It's hard to mourn privately when you're a public figure."

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saska...art-broken-after-son-s-sudden-death-1.3181840

 

[winkipinki]

Then why not say/confirm it was not suicide? Its far more " suspicious" to not address it. And the family and friends should feel no shame or guilt. He may have hidden things very well. Also I understand suicudal people can be very much at peace just before the act as they have come to terms with the decision. Maybe there just were not any obvious signs.
I know i would set the record straight for my loved one.
Assuming the "fall" was from the rooftop garden terrace, the comments on the blooming flowers are actually chilling.

 

[SeriouslySearching]

Then why not say/confirm it was not suicide? Its far more " suspicious" to not address it. And the family and friends should feel no shame or guilt. He may have hidden things very well. Also I understand suicudal people can be very much at peace just before the act as they have come to terms with the decision. Maybe there just were not any obvious signs.
I know i would set the record straight for my loved one.
Assuming the "fall" was from the rooftop garden terrace, the comments on the blooming flowers are actually chilling.

This is her way of addressing it:

The grieving mother of television personality Chris Hyndman believes her only child fell to his death while sleepwalking on the terrace of his penthouse apartment.

In an emotional phone interview from Moose Jaw, Sask., Glenda Hyndman said her son died in an “unfortunate accident.”

Toronto Police spokesperson Meaghan Gray wouldn’t confirm this, and said the investigation is still open. Police do not suspect anything suspicious or criminal.

~Snip~

Glenda said that Hyndman and Sabados went to bed Monday night, and then Sabados was awakened when police knocked on his door to tell him what happened.

“He’s really, really, really struggling,” she said of Sabados. “I’m going up there (to Toronto), and I’m going to stay as long as I need to help him, because I’m his only little piece of Christopher left.”

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/08/06/chris-hyndmans-mother-believes-he-died-sleepwalking.html

If she or Steven thought it was anything else, she would not be making such statements, in my opinion.

 

[SeriouslySearching]

Another good photo of the balcony:

https://instagram.com/p/dMqjjit9B1/?taken-by=stevenandchris

There are places he could have just stepped up and over basically.

 

[winkipinki]

I feel like his mother may be the least objective person "involved".

 

[kimi_SFC]

Just found this thread. This particular case is in my field.
I'm a Registered Polysomnographer (Sleep Technologist), and also have a personal history of somnambulance as a child and teenager.

I need to catch up on the entire thread before chiming in on the case itself. I will say that the Falater case in Maricopa County divided the field of Sleep Disorders Medicine. :juanettes:

You can find Board Certified Sleep Specialists (who are either Pulmonologists, Neurologists, or Psychiatrists), who may differ in their interpretations and/or opinions on (this) diagnosis based in their training and experience. The field has grown over the years (it was quite new when I started out. I was fortunate to have trained at The School of Sleep Medicine at Stanford under the 2nd RPSGT ever credentialed).

Capturing sleepwalking in the lab doesn't happen relatively that often. Documenting it (somnambulism) in a forensic study is pretty rare IME. A major point of contention in the Falater case was whether or not both the (defense and state) forensic testing included replicating the sleep deprivation prior to the recording. How much did the sleep deprivation play into the somnambulism (chicken v. the egg)? Is the defendant clear in his recollection, because he was so tired? etc.

You will find if you research "sleepwalking defense" cases that both sides often have sleep experts that have testified, and they leave it to the jury to decide. If said jury doesn't foundationally understand (the often complex) science of the stages of sleep, the sleep/wake relationship, what happens when things go wrong, etc., they may just go with which expert they like more, rather than the facts of the case. :cow:

I realize that we won't be able to diagnose Chris, and that's so heartbreaking. But after reading a few of the posts at the end of his thread, I wanted to give you my perspective / opinion as a Sleep professional (hope that's ok! :blushing: ) I've been in the field since '95 and registered / credentialed since '99. :twocents: (and then some)

I'm off to catch up with you all on the details of this case, and the loss of amazing man. It is very apparent he was loved and will be missed.
:rose:


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Magdalyn]

I recently saw a 48 Hours episode (Fall from Grace) where what really happened is still unresolved -- manner of death changed from suicide to undetermined, it was investigated and (and false[?] confessed) as a homicide -- but the parents of the deceased daughter have come to differing opinions over the course of the investigation. The mother, and police, still believe Bethany was murdered; the father now believes she had become deeply depressed and it was a suicide. They (the parents) can't both be right. One of their beliefs/parental gut instincts is wrong. And they both loved her deeply and knew her very well...or thought they did. So.....

Chris's mom could be right. His mom could be wrong. They can't get him back either way. Her beliefs and his husband's beliefs may or may not mesh with what really happened. They each need to believe what they each need to believe to come to grips with their grief.

Nobody really wants to believe their loved one suffered, whether we're talking about whether or not someone died instantly after a fall from a building, hit by a train, or a car accident; no one wants to think their loved one suffered silently, and hid depression, did they miss the signs/could they have saved them...

So many times on these forums I, and many others, hope against hope that a child was unconscious when they were raped and murdered. We're almost always wrong. But we still hope. It's human nature to hope for the least suffering for those we love/feel empathy for.

 

[Arnie M]

At first I did not give much credence to the sleepwalking idea .... I thought it was a smoke screen .... but now I read what his mom said ....

(the mother of) .... Chris Hyndman believes her only child fell to his death while sleepwalking on the terrace of his penthouse apartment ... “Christopher was a sleepwalker, and he did that a lot. He even ate in his sleep,” Glenda Hyndman said of her son....

(in another article it said ) .... Hyndman’s mother told the Star that her son frequently “foraged” for food without being aware of doing so.

Plus Steve said he was asleep and the police came knocking on his door to tell him , so that sounds legit.

So if Chris was wearing sleeping attire it may help confirm .... next thing I would be curious about are prints or evidence of him going over the rail , I do not think it was a simple fall , there is a substantial ledge outside the railing ... it would have to be a purposeful climb over the railing , plus a step or two across the ledge.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/08/06/chris-hyndmans-mother-believes-he-died-sleepwalking.html
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news...lleged-sleepwalking-accident/article25872373/

 

[katydid23]

There are cases where people were 'sleepwalking' while they got in their cars and drove around. So one can do 'purposeful' things and still be sound asleep. the brain is an amazing thing.

 

[SeriouslySearching]

I recently saw a 48 Hours episode (Fall from Grace) where what really happened is still unresolved -- manner of death changed from suicide to undetermined, it was investigated and (and false[?] confessed) as a homicide -- but the parents of the deceased daughter have come to differing opinions over the course of the investigation. The mother, and police, still believe Bethany was murdered; the father now believes she had become deeply depressed and it was a suicide. They (the parents) can't both be right. One of their beliefs/parental gut instincts is wrong. And they both loved her deeply and knew her very well...or thought they did. So.....

Chris's mom could be right. His mom could be wrong. They can't get him back either way. Her beliefs and his husband's beliefs may or may not mesh with what really happened. They each need to believe what they each need to believe to come to grips with their grief.

Nobody really wants to believe their loved one suffered, whether we're talking about whether or not someone died instantly after a fall from a building, hit by a train, or a car accident; no one wants to think their loved one suffered silently, and hid depression, did they miss the signs/could they have saved them...

So many times on these forums I, and many others, hope against hope that a child was unconscious when they were raped and murdered. We're almost always wrong. But we still hope. It's human nature to hope for the least suffering for those we love/feel empathy for.

If Chris Hyndman hid his pain and sorrow for decades from Steven, his mom, and his friends...he deserves an award for the most incredible life lived under a flamboyant umbrella. Robin Williams broke down from time to time and people very close to him did know about his issues. Chris lived out loud and his emotions were worn on his sleeve. He wasn't pretending to be funny, emotional, and happy, imo He was quite genuine from what I have read and heard from people who knew him.

 

[The Village Idiot]

I have to say this -- about the Sleepwalking thing ( MOO )

In this article:
http://www.darpanmagazine.com/news/national/experts-weigh-in-after-chris-hyndmans-mothers-sleepwalking-suggestion/

Snippet

Colleen Carney, director of the Sleep and Depression Laboratory at Ryerson University, said Hyndman's death would be a tragic rarity if it was caused by a fatal sleepwalking accident.

I just wanted to say IF your home is 6 floors up, with a Patio.....or your sleepwalking around on a building top Deck ---- sleepwalking WOULD become more of a major Risk factor.....and not such a rarity.

Just because most homes are ground floor....

Anyways -- Not sure IF that is what happened, or if Suicide.....but if the latter it is once again Time to recognize that Happy/funny may not always mean Sane ( eg Robin Williams ). I think if anything Chris death was from this -- it would bring the reality of how it can be so hidden among even happy cheerful people.

I do not know if it was an accident, or suicide --- but I do know this -- For Steven to have such a funny, loud, over the top, larger than life partner, and then to lose him -- his world becomes so silent. The pain must be so strong after 27 years of being mates!!

~ ~ Also IF it was from the Top Deck he fell (or jumped) from -- Then outdoor top floor decks NEED to have higher guard rails just for pure safety of the unexpected. If it was from the top Deck, or even the balcony -- then maybe in DEATH -- Chris death WILL STILL IMPACT THE DESIGN WORLD -- TO MAKE IT MANDATORY THAT ALL SUCH DECKS ABOVE SO MANY FEET -- HAVE MORE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS than they do now. Chris death might still *impact* the Design of these outdoor high decks/balcony -- as if he was sleepwalking -- higher fences around these type of high high decks should be more preventive (just in case).

Maybe it should become *building* mandatory than any rooftop patio / decks HAVE to HAVE a 6 or 8/10 FOOT TALL fence around them -- not some little 3 foot tall fence. After all -- it is Roof top -- and building laws always need to be re-looked at --- and MAYBE -- Chris death will impact that CHANGE in building codes for a roof top deck .....and he will be still an Angel in Design World even after death.

+ RIP chris +

 

[SeriouslySearching]

I have to say this -- about the Sleepwalking thing ( MOO )

In this article:
http://www.darpanmagazine.com/news/national/experts-weigh-in-after-chris-hyndmans-mothers-sleepwalking-suggestion/

Snippet

I just wanted to say IF your home is 6 floors up, with a Patio.....or your sleepwalking around on a building top Deck ---- sleepwalking WOULD become more of a major Risk factor.....and not such a rarity.

Just because most homes are ground floor....

Anyways -- Not sure IF that is what happened, or if Suicide.....but if the latter it is once again Time to recognize that Happy/funny may not always mean Sane ( eg Robin Williams ). I think if anything Chris death was from this -- it would bring the reality of how it can be so hidden among even happy cheerful people.

I do not know if it was an accident, or suicide --- but I do know this -- For Steven to have such a funny, loud, over the top, larger than life partner, and then to lose him -- his world becomes so silent. The pain must be so strong after 27 years of being mates!!

~ ~ Also IF it was from the Top Deck he fell (or jumped) from -- Then outdoor top floor decks NEED to have higher guard rails just for pure safety of the unexpected. If it was from the top Deck, or even the balcony -- then maybe in DEATH -- Chris death WILL STILL IMPACT THE DESIGN WORLD -- TO MAKE IT MANDATORY THAT ALL SUCH DECKS ABOVE SO MANY FEET -- HAVE MORE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS than they do now. Chris death might still *impact* the Design of these outdoor high decks/balcony -- as if he was sleepwalking -- higher fences around these type of high high decks should be more preventive (just in case).

Maybe it should become *building* mandatory than any rooftop patio / decks HAVE to HAVE a 6 or 8/10 FOOT TALL fence around them -- not some little 3 foot tall fence. After all -- it is Roof top -- and building laws always need to be re-looked at --- and MAYBE -- Chris death will impact that CHANGE in building codes for a roof top deck .....and he will be still an Angel in Design World even after death.

+ RIP chris +

Well said. I agree it could create a change in design and raise the bar (literally). Balconies or roof top patios have always been some of my favorite places, but I have noticed a few do have railings too low for taller people. They would have no trouble keeping me safe if I were to slip on accident and hit it with some force, but others could flip over with some relative ease due to where it would hit their bodies.

I can't find any listed height for him, but he seemed rather tall.