The tragic death of 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite, during a social media-inspired tackle game, underscores the lethal risks of viral challenges.
At a Glance
- Ryan Satterthwaite died from a head injury in New Zealand following a tackle game linked to social media.
- The “Run It Straight” challenge involves high-speed collisions without protection.
- Authorities emphasize the fatal consequences of such reckless activities.
- Social media trends like the “Run It” challenge are gaining traction in Australia and New Zealand.
The Circumstances of a Tragedy
On May 25, in Palmerston North, 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite was involved in a horrific accident while participating in a game inspired by social media. The game called “Run It Straight” involves participants intentionally colliding at full speed without any protective gear. Sadly, this resulted in a severe head injury for Ryan, who tragically passed away the following evening. Friends who witnessed the incident took him to the hospital after the accident.
“The man suffered a serious head injury when tackled, and was taken to hospital by his friends. Tragically, he passed away in hospital on Monday night.” – Inspector Ross Grantham
The Viral Spread of Dangerous Challenges
The growing popularity of the “Run It” trend in Australia and New Zealand is alarming. This viral social media challenge encourages dangerous behavior, with young people sharing videos of themselves participating in unsanctioned tournaments. Participants sometimes lose consciousness during these reckless encounters. It’s a clear example of how quickly dangerous activities can proliferate online, especially among youth.
“While this was an impromptu game among friends, not a planned event, this tragic outcome does highlight the inherent safety concerns with such an activity.” – Inspector Ross Grantham
Calls for Awareness and Caution
Authorities express serious concerns and urge caution regarding these viral challenges. Inspector Ross Grantham, while conveying condolences to the Satterthwaite family, highlighted the tragedy as a sobering reminder of the hazards associated with such reckless activities. The “Run It” Championship League advocates for conducting these activities only in controlled environments under professional supervision to prevent such tragedies.
“Inspector Grantham said in the police statement that Satterthwaite’s death was ‘an absolute tragedy and my thoughts are with his family and friends.'” – Inspector Ross Grantham.
