A tragic incident involving a 12-year-old boy from Castleford, England, has surfaced after he reportedly engaged in a perilous social media challenge. This same challenge was linked to the death of an American teenager earlier in the year.
The boy, known as Sebastian, was celebrating his younger brother’s first holy communion when he was found unresponsive on Friday, June 27.
According to his father, Marcin, Sebastian may have been participating in the ‘blackout challenge,’ a risky activity circulating on social media where individuals choke themselves, often using a scarf, to cut off oxygen to the brain.
“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.”
In response to this tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been created by friends and family of Sebastian’s heartbroken parents to assist with funeral costs, provide psychological support, and cover lost income.
“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.”
The campaign also serves as a caution to parents about the potential hazards of social media, encouraging them to engage in conversations with their children about their online activities, interactions, and influences.
“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.
You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
This incident follows another case just four months prior, where 13-year-old Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr. from Murrieta, California, was found unresponsive in his bedroom after participating in the ‘blackout challenge,’ which was responsible for multiple child fatalities in 2021.
Nnamdi was discovered by his mother, who attempted CPR, but to no avail.