SYDNEY: A youngster has died in New Zealand after collaborating in a rugby-inspired social media craze that sees individuals dash and crash into one another, police mentioned Tuesday (Might 27).
The “run-it-straight problem” has gone viral on social media throughout New Zealand and Australia, attracting enormous crowds to occasions the place individuals cost one another head-on with no protecting gear.
In accordance with the New Zealand Herald, the problem entails a runner and a tackler working full velocity at one another on a subject measuring 20m by 4m.
A 19-year-old died from a “severe head damage” in New Zealand’s North Island after enjoying the sport with pals over the weekend, New Zealand Police mentioned in an announcement.
“The person suffered a severe head damage when tackled and was taken to hospital by pals,” police inspector Ross Grantham mentioned.
“Tragically, he handed away in hospital on Monday evening.
“We might urge anybody eager about collaborating in a recreation or occasion like this to think about the numerous security and damage dangers.”
Grantham mentioned the incident was an impromptu recreation amongst pals, not a deliberate occasion.
Nonetheless, the “tragic consequence does spotlight the inherent security considerations with such an exercise”.
The incident just isn’t thought-about a legal matter, however the police will proceed to undertake enquiries on behalf of the coroner, Grantham added.
Organised run-it-straight competitions supply 1000’s of {dollars} in prize cash and have drawn curiosity from ex-professional rugby gamers.
Consultants have likened the sport to a fight sport, warning that individuals face severe concussion dangers.
