An autopsy technician has offered some surprisingly specific, and somewhat graphic, advice aimed at helping people avoid sudden and preventable deaths.
With years of experience working in morgues and on complex forensic cases, she’s seen firsthand just how fragile life can be... and how everyday habits can lead to tragic ends.
Known online as Dolly, the Colorado-based technician has encountered a wide range of unusual fatalities throughout her career, from skydiving accidents and decapitations to industrial disasters and even bizarre domestic mishaps like falling into washing machines or misusing car jacks.
But, of course, it's not the rare or extreme cases that make up her caseload.
Some of the most preventable deaths, she says, stem from surprisingly common behavior, especially among the elderly.
One piece of advice she repeats often may come as a shock: Older adults should think twice before digging into a steak.
“People don’t realize how dangerous it can be,” Dolly told Newsweek. “You can't chew anymore. You're going to choke and die, and then you end up in the morgue. And I have to retrieve it from your oesophagus. It is disgusting.”
In a now-viral video with over 1.8 million views, Dolly says choking on meat, particularly steak, is something she’s seen far too often among older individuals who may struggle with chewing or swallowing properly.
Despite the seemingly mundane nature of the meal, it can have fatal consequences for those whose reflexes and muscle strength have diminished with age.
Beyond choking, Dolly also warns against escalating conflicts. She’s worked on cases where people uttered taunting last words (like “What are you gonna do? Stab me?”) only for them to end in exactly that. So, she also cautions against provoking violence, noting that some of the most avoidable deaths are tied to ego and confrontation.
Per ProTrainings, steak is one of the most common foods people can choke on, as they write: "If not cooked properly, steak can be hard and chewy, which makes this food item prone to getting caught in the throat."
Her advice includes a practical list of dos and don’ts based on her experience with fatal outcomes; including avoiding provocative phrases, skipping steak in old age, not leaning into washing machines, never trusting cheap car jacks, avoiding loose clothing near machinery, and wearing proper gear on motorcycles
Dolly, who assists with private autopsies, homicide investigations, and coronial cases, now travels widely for her work. She also shares stories online to educate and demystify death, hoping to reduce the stigma around end-of-life discussions.
“I’ve basically seen it all, but then something new pops up and surprises me,” she said. “It’s so fragile but so resilient… it’s honestly mind-blowing.”
Well, all I can say is if steak’s your last meal, at least you went out tender!