Authorities in Brazil are currently looking into the death of a 14-year-old boy who allegedly informed his parents and doctors that he had injected “remains of a butterfly” into his leg, leading to adverse symptoms.
Davi Nunes Moreira was taken to a hospital in Planalto, located in Bahia, northeastern Brazil, after experiencing limping, vomiting, and general malaise.
Initially, when questioned by his father about his limp, the teen reportedly claimed it was due to an injury sustained while playing.
However, as his symptoms escalated, Davi confessed to his family and healthcare providers that he had injected himself with a peculiar substance.
It is reported that Davi mixed a dead butterfly with water and injected the solution into his right leg. The Civil Police, as reported by Metrópoles, found the syringe used by Davi under his pillow following his admission of the act.
As Davi’s condition deteriorated, he was transferred to the General Hospital of Vitória da Conquista, the third-largest city in the state, but unfortunately, he passed away on February 12. His funeral took place two days later.
Currently, the police are exploring whether Davi’s decision to inject butterfly remains was influenced by an online challenge.
An investigator, mentioned by Metrópoles, discussed the possibility of an online challenge, although Davi reportedly denied this before he died.
Nevertheless, the teenager did not provide any additional explanation for his actions.
Davi did not specify the type of butterfly he injected, and investigators from the Civil Police in Vitoria da Conquista are awaiting comprehensive post-mortem results to determine the cause of his fatal illness.
A Civil Police spokesperson stated: “The autopsy results will help clarify the cause of death. The investigation is designed to clear up what happened.”
The toxins in the butterfly remains may have contributed to Davi’s declining health. Professor Marcelo Duarte, director of Sao Paulo University’s Zoology Museum and an expert on butterflies, stated: “Butterflies have a complex biology, and the fluids present in their bodies have not been studied in depth in terms of their toxicity to humans.”
In the aftermath of Davi’s death, online tributes have been posted, with some users highlighting the dangers of online challenges.
“Some of the things you see online are madness and spine-chilling,” a commenter posted.