Teen, 19, Dies After Suffering 'Serious Head Injury' Playing Tackle Game Inspired by Social Media Trend: 'Absolute Tragedy'
The teenager has been identified as Ryan Satterthwaite, per multiple local outlets
"This young man's death is an absolute tragedy and my thoughts are with his family and friends," Inspector Ross Grantham, Manawatū Area Commander, said in a New Zealand Police news releaseA 19-year-old has died in New Zealand after playing a tackle game inspired by a social media trend, police have confirmed.
On the afternoon of Sunday, May 25, the man was critically injured after playing the game with friends in Palmerston North, before he died from his injuries the following evening, New Zealand Police said in a May 27 news release, citing Inspector Ross Grantham, Manawatū Area Commander.
"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," Grantham said.
According to Radio New Zealand (RNZ), the New Zealand Herald and the Dominion-Post, the teenager has been identified as Ryan Satterthwaite.
The teen died after being injured while playing a private "Run It Straight" game (part of the "Run It" craze), the New Zealand Herald reported. In a separate article, the outlet said the game "involves a runner and a tackler running full speed at each other" on a "battlefield" that's approximately 66 feet by 13 feet.
On the "Run It" Championship League website, a message states, "'Run It' is the WORLD'S fiercest, new collision sport. Born to go viral, built to break limits, it has taken social media by storm with tens of millions of views."
Inspector Grantham said in the police release following Sunday's incident, "This young man's death is an absolute tragedy and my thoughts are with his family and friends."
"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," the release added.
"While this was an impromptu game among friends, not a planned event, this tragic outcome does highlight the inherent safety concerns with such an activity," Grantham continued.
"We would urge anyone thinking about taking part in a game or event like this to consider the significant safety and injury risks," he added.
The inspector concluded in the release, "While this is not a criminal matter, police will continue to undertake enquiries on behalf of the coroner."
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According to RNZ, Satterthwaite worked at Mainfreight Transport in Palmerston North.
A spokeswoman told the outlet that the workplace was supporting Satterthwaite's family, but declined to comment further on an employee.
A statement from the "Run It" Championship League, based in Australia, read, "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," per RNZ. The organization said its thoughts were with the teen's family and friends.
New Zealand Police didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. PEOPLE has also reached out to Mainfreight Transport in Palmerston North for a tribute.
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