News & Current Events
Boy, 12, Dies After Attempting Viral ‘Blackout Challenge’—Family Issues Heartbreaking Warning
According to reports, a 12-year-old child died after participating in a risky social media challenge that also killed an American youngster earlier this year.
When the schoolboy, who is only known as Sebastian of Castleford, England, was discovered unconscious on Friday, June 27, it is believed that he was celebrating his younger brother’s first holy communion.
His father Marcin thinks he was participating in the “blackout challenge,” which has gone viral on social media and involves people choking themselves, usually with a scarf, to stop oxygen from reaching their brains.
“Police were called by ambulance colleagues to an address in Manor Grove, Castleford, at 6:06 p.m. [ on June 27] following reports of concern for the safety of a child,” West Yorkshire Police said in a statement.
“Officers attended the location and the boy was taken to hospital where it was later confirmed that he had died. Enquiries are ongoing on behalf of the West Yorkshire Coroner to establish exactly what happened.”
“The incident is not being treated as suspicious.”
Since then, family members of Sebastian’s bereaved parents have created a GoFundMe page to aid with burial costs, psychological support, and lost wages.
“Sebastian was only 12 years old. A boy full of dreams, passion, and incredible talent. He taught himself to play the guitar and keyboard, and he loved to draw. Always smiling, kind, and full of joy – everyone who met him was touched by his gentle spirit,” it read in part.
“He had loving parents who did everything they could to give him a safe and happy childhood. They would have given him the stars. Sadly, one brief moment changed everything. A dangerous internet challenge took his life.”
“What happened is a tragedy beyond words. No parent should ever have to bury their child. No one should ever endure such heartbreak. That’s why we’re reaching out today, asking for your help.”
It continued by alerting parents to the risks associated with social media and advising them to discuss with their children what they watch online, who they interact with, and what motivates them.
“Let it be a quiet call for awareness – a reminder to stay close, to talk more, to protect the ones we love. So that other children may live. So that no other parent has to experience this unimaginable pain,” it adds.
Donations to the GoFundMe can be made here.
Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr., 13, of Murrieta, California, was discovered unconscious in his bedroom four months prior after taking part in the ‘blackout challenge’ that killed other kids in 2021.
His mother found him and tried CPR on her son, but it was too late.
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