04-07-2025
Family of drowning victim calls for filming of tragedies to be criminal offence
The family of Luke John Hyde, who tragically drowned in the River Lee three months ago, have set up a petition calling for legislation to be introduced to make it an offence to record and live stream horrific tragedies.
Luke (34) tragically drowned after he got into difficulties "while around 100 people stood by, choosing to capture the horrifying moment on their phones rather than taking immediate action to save him," Luke's heartbroken family have said.
"Not a single one of the eight life buoys stationed nearby was thrown to aid him," Luke's family explained in their online petition now set up, called 'Stop Live Streaming Tragedies, Focus on Saving Lives' on
"This heartbreaking experience has highlighted a disturbing trend: the alarming priority given to filming tragic incidents over rendering assistance or calling emergency services.
"In today's digital age, the instinct to record and broadcast via live streaming has overshadowed the essential human response of providing aid. We are living in times where the lure of social media validation and viral fame takes precedence over the very real lives at stake. There needs to be a cultural and legal shift to prevent further tragedies like the one my family has had to endure."
Luke's family is now calling for legislative action to prevent the live streaming and video recording of emergencies where a life is in immediate danger.
"We are desperate to get this law in place as we don't want any family to ever experience the torture and heartache that myself and my family are currently going through from the loss of our loved one Luke John Hyde who suffered and tragically lost his life because of the circumstances I have mentioned above," Luke's brother Mark told The Irish Mirror.
"This proposed law, often referred to as the 'Luke Hyde Law,' would impose penalties on individuals who choose to live stream such events instead of assisting or contacting emergency services," Luke's family said on their online petition.
"This law can serve as a deterrent, prioritizing human life over the transient allure of online notoriety.
"Countries across the globe are facing incidents where intervention is replaced by spectatorship.
"According to various studies, immediate action in the critical moments of an emergency can save up to 85% of distressed individuals if help or rescue operations are initiated swiftly.
"The time spent filming could be time spent saving lives," Luke's family insisted.
Luke's family is now urging lawmakers to recognise the urgent necessity of this law and implement measures that ensure people are encouraged and mandated to act compassionately and responsibly in moments of crisis.
"This shift will not only save lives but restore faith in humanity's ability to prioritise compassion over spectacle," Luke's family continued.
Inviting people to join Luke's family in advocating for this vital change, they are asking people to sign their petition.
"Let's ensure no other family has to experience the loss of a loved one due to indecision over digital distraction," they said.
To support Luke's family in their campaign for 'Luke's Law' to make it an offence for anyone recording someone in a tragic situation where no help is offered by people witnessing the tragic event click here.
