Jennifer Cordova

Jennifer Cordova

A northwest Iowa woman is facing charges for allegedly making her children pass out. A news release from Storm Lake Police shows 31-year-old Jennifer Cordova was charged Wednesday with two misdemeanor counts of child endangerment. She’s accused of making her two sons, ages 13 and 7, pass out as part of a “game” they played at their home.

The charges stem from an incident in June of this year when police say the 13-year-old passed out, fell, and hit his head on a table. The 7-year-old did not pass out. Police say the 13-year-old boy is now living with his grandmother out of state, while the 7-year-old is in the custody of his father in Storm Lake.

Police say the so-called “pass-out game” involves people depriving themselves of oxygen until they lose consciousness, in an attempt to achieve a euphoric high. Authorities around the country have been issuing warnings about the dangers of the game, as teens and others have been posting videos of people playing the “pass-out game” to YouTube and Facebook.

Jennifer Cordova, who was booked in the Buena Vista County Jail, works as director of development at Faith, Hope and Charity — a nonprofit in Storm Lake that provides residential care and services to children and young adults with special needs.

Photo courtesy of the Buena Vista County Jail.