Heartbreak as 12yo dies attempting TikTok challenge
A grieving family is warning about the dangers of social media after their 12-year-old son died after attempting a viral challenge involving a scarf.
Sebastian, 12, was at home celebrating his younger brother's First Holy Communion at a home in Castleford, West Yorkshire, before being found unresponsive.
Emergency services, including Yorkshire Ambulance Service, West Yorkshire Police, and a Yorkshire Air Ambulance, arrived at the scene shortly after 6pm on Friday.
He was rushed to hospital in a large police-escorted convoy. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Sebastian's father Marcin believes his son died while attempting a viral TikTok challenge with a scarf, The Sun reported.
The tragedy comes after the parents of four British teenagers filed a lawsuit against TikTok in February over the deaths of their children, which they claim were the result of the same challenge.
The lawsuit claims Isaac Kenevan, 13, Archie Battersbee, 12, Julian Sweeney, 14, and Maia Walsh, 13, died in 2022 while attempting it.
A GoFundMe has been set up in support of Sebastian's family.
'Sebastian was only 12 years old. A boy full of dreams, passion, and incredible talent,' the fundraising page reads.
'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.
'He had loving parents who did everything they could to give him a safe and happy childhood. They would have given him the stars.'
The emotional tribute revealed that a dangerous internet challenge took Sebastian's 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.
'Sebastian lost his life because of an online challenge (Scarf challenge/ black out challenge). His parents gave him all the love and care in the world — but that one moment online changed everything.'
It pleaded: 'We ask you — as parents, guardians, friends: talk to your children about what they do online.'
'Ask what they watch, who they talk to, what inspires them. Be present. Don't assume: 'My child would never do that.' The online world can be as dangerous as the real one — sometimes even more so.'
West Yorkshire Police are working with the West Yorkshire Coroner to determine the circumstances of the tragedy.
The incident is not being treated as suspicious.
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
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