Latest news with #FirstHolyCommunion
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Our young son died trying a trend he saw online - social media is to blame'
Sebastian Cizman was found unresponsive by his cousins on Friday and his devastated parents say they want those promoting the deadly social media craze to be put in prison The parents of a young child feared to have died taking part in a deadly viral challenge while they were downstairs cooking say social media companies are to blame for his death. Sebastian Cizman, 12, was found unresponsive at his home in Castleford, West Yorkshire, by his cousins on Friday. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was later pronounced dead at hospital. The boy's family believe he was playing a dangerous game he had seen online, and have called for those promoting it to be put in prison. The motionless youngster was discovered on the staircase during his little brother's First Holy Communion celebrations. Now his mum and dad are demanding other parents be totally switched on to the dangers as they slammed the tech firms, saying they must be held to account for the content on their platforms. Marcin and Kasia Cizman say there are dangers lurking on kids' smart phones as they discussed their torment just days after his death. The brave parents say the loss of their son must help save others as they heaped pressure on social media companies by reliving the horror of losing Sebastian. Office worker Kasia, 37, told MailOnline: "They should take the people who are promoting these challenges and put them in prison, so no other child dies. These platforms don't do anything, they make money and they don't care - how many kids have to die until they will do something? "It's hard what I'm going to say, but I hope that the loss of my child is going to help some other children to understand. My message to other parents is check your children's phones before it is too late." His father Marcin claims tragic Sebastian, a self-taught classical pianist, was able to sign up to a social media platform "no questions asked", despite having to be at least 13-year-olds to legally have access. A GoFundMe page has been launched to help transport Sebastian to Poland for his burial. On it, his devastated family paid tribute to him, saying: '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 goes on to talk about a 'dangerous internet challenge' saying: '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. 'We're organising this fundraiser to support Sebastian's family — to help cover funeral expenses, psychological support, and daily costs that suddenly became overwhelming. Every donation, no matter the amount, is not just financial support — it's a message of compassion: 'We're with you'.' And in a message to other parents it added: "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 said: "Police were called by ambulance colleagues to an address in Manor Grove, Castleford, at 6:06pm yesterday (27/6) following reports of concern for the safety of a child. "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."
NDTV
a day ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
What Is "Scarf Challenge"? 12-Year-Old In UK Reportedly Dies Attempting A Dare
A family was left devastated after a 12-year-old boy died, reportedly attempting a dangerous social media challenge known as the "scarf challenge", a variation of TikTok's deadly "blackout challenge", Metro reported. What Is "Scarf Challenge"? The boy named Sebastian hailed from Castleford, West Yorkshire. He was at home celebrating his younger brother's First Holy Communion when he reportedly attempted the infamous challenge, which involves choking oneself to induce a brief euphoria, which can lead to brain damage or death. The emergency services were called to the house at 6:06 pm (local time) on June 27, and despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. The West Yorkshire Police are investigating the circumstances of Sebastian's death, but it is not being treated as suspicious. The family is urging other parents to be vigilant about their children's online activities and to have open conversations with them about the dangers of social media challenges. They emphasised that the online world can be just as dangerous as the real one. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Sebastian's family, which has raised over $4,300. The campaign aims to help with funeral expenses, psychological support and daily costs. The GoFundMe page reads, "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." "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," it added. This incident follows similar cases in the past where children have died attempting the "blackout challenge". The parents of four British teenagers who died in 2022 have filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that the platform's algorithm promoted harmful content to their children.
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Boy, 12, dies in 'dangerous internet challenge' amid 'online world' warning
A 12-year-old boy with "incredible talent" has tragically died with his heartbroken family believing he was taking part in a social media challenge. Sebastian was found unresponsive at his home where his younger brother's First Holy Communion was being celebrated. Emergency services rushed to the house at 6.06pm on Friday and despite the best efforts of paramedics he was pronounced dead, reports The Mirror. Following the tragedy in Castleford in West Yorkshire in the UK, the youngster's family said they think he died after trying a viral social media challenge. They have also issued a warning about the dangers of the 'online world'. "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," read a GoFundMe page set up for the family. "Always smiling, kind, and full of joy - everyone who met him was touched by his gentle spirit." The page goes on to talk about a "dangerous internet challenge", saying: "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. "We're organising this fundraiser to support Sebastian's family - to help cover funeral expenses, psychological support, and daily costs that suddenly became overwhelming. Every donation, no matter the amount, is not just financial support - it's a message of compassion: 'We're with you'." And in a message to other parents it added: "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 said: "Police were called by ambulance colleagues to an address in Manor Grove, Castleford, at 6:06pm yesterday (27/6) following reports of concern for the safety of a child. "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." The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Extra.ie
Student suffered relentless abuse at hands of Christian Brother
Wayne Farrell was sitting at home on the couch when he casually picked up a copy of the Irish Mail on Sunday. It was January 28, 2018. Wayne cannot read or write, but as he flicked through the pages, a picture of an old man caught his eye. The photo was of Brother Aidan Clohessy. It was then that something in Wayne snapped. 'That's when it happened,' Wayne recalls. 'I just broke down, sitting on the sofa, and I threw it [the paper] on the ground.' Aidan Clohessy. Pic: Collins Courts Suddenly, Wayne was full of rage. He was crying uncontrollably, too. 'What's wrong?' asked his sister Michelle, seeing his distress. For the first time in his life, Wayne, who was then 44, told her about St Augustine's. Wayne was eight when he was transferred there after his First Holy Communion. Prior to that, he'd been attending 'Benincasa School for slow learners' run by the Dominican order in Blackrock, south Dublin. St Augustine's, located on nearby Carysfort Avenue and run by the St John of God order, was a school for individuals with mild intellectual disabilities. Wayne Farrell. Pic: Tom Honan Brother Aidan Clohessy was the school principal at St Augustine's from the early 1970s until 1993. Within a year of arriving at the school, Wayne was targeted. The abuse could happen anywhere – at the pool, in the gym and often in the principal's office. 'He was watching all the time. And he'd just stand there, staring.' 'You just knew he was coming for you,' Wayne recalls. 'He'd touch me on the shoulder, and I'd look around and he'd say: 'Come with me, son.' You knew you were in trouble then.' Aidan Clohessy. Pic: Collins Courts Each day, as he got off the bus at the school gates, Wayne faced a new nightmare. Walking into the building, he'd watch for any tell-tale sign of trouble from Brother Aidan. 'He'd be standing at the double doors with his hands in his pockets. As soon as he'd seen you, he'd have the comb over the hair, and you f***ing knew you were going to get done that day. You knew it. You would feel it.' Brother Aidan's office was through the school's main double doors and up the corridor, on the right-hand side. There was then one step up into the room. Inside, Wayne remembers a religious statue, a sink, a desk to the left, chairs and a window opposite the door. Through the window, a pond outside was visible. The first time Brother Aidan called Wayne to his office, he had no idea what was in store. Removing a key from his pocket, Brother Aidan locked the door from the inside and returned the key to his trousers. No escape was possible. Then it began. 'Take off your clothes,' Brother Aidan ordered. At first, Wayne refused. 'No.' Then Brother Aidan reached for his cane and drew his belt from around his waist. 'What do you want?' he asked, threatening Wayne with a beating, a frequent occurrence for students at St Augustine's. 'I don't want anything,' answered Wayne, confused. Brother Aidan grabbed Wayne by the ear and lifted him up. 'Son, you listen and do what I tell you,' he warned. Eventually, Wayne gave in. 'I stripped off and he sat in front of me naked. He came around behind me. He would always put his arm on my shoulder, and he'd say: 'Son, no words.' Then he started rubbing his penis up and down me backside.' Over the years, that phrase – 'son, no words' – was replaced with a menacing gesture that haunts Wayne to this day. Every time Brother Aidan placed his forefinger over his lips in a shushing motion, Wayne knew what was about to happen. He still remembers the gold ring on Brother Aidan's hand, with an embedded red gemstone, and the way he kept twisting it. Once, Wayne ran for the window to escape. But it was hopeless. 'I tried to get out of it one day because he had me naked. He gave me such a whack that I just [fell over] backwards.' Wayne travelled to school on the bus, but sometimes he'd be called to the office after school. When that happened, he'd miss the bus and have to walk home afterwards. The walk down Carysfort Avenue into Blackrock and back to Dún Laoghaire took an hour. 'It was eating away at me all the time' 'In winter it was horrible,' he recalls, breaking into tears. After several years, Wayne's mother pulled him from St Augustine's. She never said why. She must have seen the bruises from the beatings. She couldn't possibly have imagined the rest. Wayne never spoke about the abuse until 2018 when he saw this newspaper, when he finally opened up to his sister. Wayne's dream was to be a fireman or a policeman, but he'd never learned to read or write in St Augustine's. Just how to be afraid. He was a champion swimmer, though, and from the age of 18 he volunteered with the Dún Laoghaire lifeboat crew. Wayne would go on to save many lives and win bravery awards for dramatic and selfless rescues at sea. He also often worked as a diver, recovering submerged bodies for the emergency services. But since he suffered three minor strokes in recent years, Wayne has been unable to volunteer any more. His beloved daily swims in Dublin Bay have ceased. For work, Wayne served time on fishing trawlers, helped at a funeral home and even had a stint as a Dublin Bus driver on the famous 46A route. He always tried to keep busy, to run ahead of the memories that chased him. But it never worked. 'I tried to put it behind me, but it was eating away at me all the time. When you get time to think about these things it just comes back. It never goes,' he says. Meanwhile, Wayne never felt he could tell anyone. 'Imagine going home to your friends or relatives to tell them that had happened to you. Them days they wouldn't believe you because of the Catholic religion. That was God. And that was it.' At night, he medicates to keep the memories and emotions at bay. 'I take sleeping tablets at nighttime to make me sleep because I wake up so angry. If I knew where he was, I'd go after him.' Today, Wayne feels let down by 'He stole everything I wanted in life' 'When I was young, I was in the care of the State because I'm a slow learner. I was f***ing abused under their watch. 'I'd love to meet the Minister for Justice and say it to them – how do you think I feel? Has it ever happened to you? Yet you let him [Brother Aidan] walk around.' Unable to read or write, Wayne never even knew that the Redress Board existed. Set up in 2002 in the wake of the Ryan Commission into abuse at religious-run schools, the board ran a now-closed compensation scheme. But he doesn't care. For Wayne, it was never about the money. He only ever wanted justice for what Brother Aidan did to him. 'He has stolen everything I wanted in life,' he told in the days before Brother Aidan's trial began this month. 'I want justice done. I hope justice is done. 'I'm not afraid of him. I'm a big guy now. What he did is a crime – if I did what he did, I'd be in jail. So what's the difference with him? 'I want to go into court. I want to be there to tell the judge what he's done. That's all I want, for him to get put away, even for a month, because at the moment, he's walking around. I want that f***er in jail. I don't care if he's 101. I'll wheel him to jail. I'll put him in a wheelchair to jail.' This week, Wayne finally got his wish as his abuser, now 85, was convicted of 19 counts of indecent assault following two separate trials at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court last month and sentenced to a total of five years and four months in prison. However, the trial almost never took place, and Wayne was very nearly not involved in it. Numerous victims from St Augustine's came forward to the Redress Board two decades ago, and their cases were settled in secret. No prosecution resulted, and Brother Aidan remained free. Then in 2018, tracked down former St Augustine's pupils who had never been before the Redress Board and published their statements. A week after he saw Brother Aidan's face in that newspaper coverage, Wayne walked up to the counter in his local Garda station. 'I want to report an incident of sexual assault that happened at school,' he told the officer at the front desk. 'When did it happen?' he was asked by the garda. 'When I was young,' he answered. 'I was sexually assaulted in school – what do I do? Through the hatch, Wayne was asked to provide his name and number on a blank sheet of paper. 'I'll arrange for you to come in,' he was told. 'We'll be in touch.' Wayne walked back out the door that day thinking that he'd made a giant personal leap. But nothing ever happened. No one called. The bravery he had shown in coming forward, after years of silence and shame, had all been for nothing. 'I felt I was getting somewhere, but I was let down by the State again,' he says. Five years later, in 2022, Wayne called this reporter for the first time. He had nowhere left to turn. The day after his call, I sat down with Wayne on a bench at Bulloch Harbour, overlooking Dublin Bay, and he shared his story with me. The harbour, where his family run a small lobster business, is a special place for Wayne. 'I come down here out of the way of everyone,' he says. 'I don't socialise, really, because I fear people. I'm down here out of the way of everything.' Aidan Clohessy had, at this point, been charged with the abuse of the other St Augustine's pupils that our 2018 investigation had been able to track down. But the Garda team responsible were unaware of Wayne, despite his visit to his local station to report his abuse, years beforehand. That was corrected only when we provided Wayne with the details of the team that was prosecuting Brother Aidan. This week, after many let-downs and many years, Wayne finally got his chance to tell the court what Brother Aidan did to him and to see his abuser get justice.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Boy dies in social media challenge as family warns of 'unknown horrors' online
Sebastian, a 12-year-old boy from Castleford, West Yorkshire, has tragically died at his home with his family warning parents of the dangers from social media challenges A 12-year-old boy with 'incredible talent' has tragically died with his heartbroken family believing he was taking part in a social media challenge. Sebastian was found unresponsive at his home where his younger brother's First Holy Communion was being celebrated. Emergency services rushed to the house at 6.06pm on Friday and despite the best efforts of paramedics he was pronounced dead. Following the tragedy in Castleford, West Yorkshire, the youngster's family said they think he died after trying a viral social media challenge. They have also issued a warning about the dangers. '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,' read a GoFundMe page set up for the family. 'Always smiling, kind, and full of joy — everyone who met him was touched by his gentle spirit.' It goes on to talk about a 'dangerous internet challenge' saying: '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. 'We're organising this fundraiser to support Sebastian's family — to help cover funeral expenses, psychological support, and daily costs that suddenly became overwhelming. Every donation, no matter the amount, is not just financial support — it's a message of compassion: 'We're with you'.' And in a message to other parents it added: "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 said: "Police were called by ambulance colleagues to an address in Manor Grove, Castleford, at 6:06pm yesterday (27/6) following reports of concern for the safety of a child. "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."
