(DailyChive.com) – The tragic story of 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite has rocked New Zealand and ignited discussions about the growing dangers of social media challenges like the “Run It Straight” game.
At a Glance
- Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, died after playing a dangerous tackle game inspired by social media trends.
- The incident took place in Palmerston North, New Zealand, resulting in a fatal head injury.
- The “Run It Straight” game involves high-impact collisions without protective gear.
- The “Run It” Championship League advises such games be supervised by professionals.
Fatal Social Media Challenge
On May 25, in Palmerston North, New Zealand, Ryan Satterthwaite tragically suffered a serious head injury while participating in the “Run It Straight” game, part of a social media-fueled trend. This game involves players colliding at full speed without protective gear. The incident led to his passing on the following evening.
Massachusetts teen dies after taking part in social media’s spicy ‘One Chip Challenge’ https://t.co/8CdXs0rJwz pic.twitter.com/9MIMYqKY4V
— New York Post (@nypost) September 5, 2023
Satterthwaite’s friends transported him to the hospital immediately after the injury occurred. According to Inspector Ross Grantham, “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.”
Young Lives at Risk
The “Run It” Championship League, based in Australia, emphasized that these types of sports should only occur in controlled environments, with professional medical support available. Videos circulating on social media show the dangerous nature of “Run It Straight,” revealing youth losing consciousness after collisions.
“In a statement, according to RNZ, the Australia-based ‘Run It’ Championship League said ‘all combat sports like boxing, martial arts or combat-style activities should only be held in highly controlled environments, which include professional medical supervision and support.'” – Run It Championship League
Authorities, including Inspector Grantham, have issued caution, highlighting the inherent risks associated with these unsanctioned viral challenges.
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— FL Poison Control (@FloridaPoison) July 15, 2024
Awareness and Prevention
Satterthwaite’s employer, Mainfreight Transport, has stepped up to support his grieving family. Inspector Ross Grantham expressed his condolences, “Inspector Grantham said in the police statement that Satterthwaite’s death was ‘an absolute tragedy and my thoughts are with his family and friends.'” This unfortunate event stands as a somber reminder of the severe dangers these games entail.
“The tackle game played by the group of friends was based on a social media-driven trend, where participants compete in full-contact collisions without protective gear.” – Inspector Ross Grantham
The hope is to steer youth away from such perilous activities and prevent further loss of life through increased awareness and responsible guidance on social media challenges.
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