SYDNEY: A teen has died in New Zealand after participating in a rugby-inspired social media craze that sees members dash and crash into one another, police mentioned Tuesday (Could 27).
The “run-it-straight problem” has gone viral on social media throughout New Zealand and Australia, attracting enormous crowds to occasions the place members cost one another head-on with no protecting gear.
In response to the New Zealand Herald, the problem includes a runner and a tackler operating full velocity at one another on a area measuring 20m by 4m.
A 19-year-old died from a “critical head damage” in New Zealand’s North Island after taking part in the sport with associates over the weekend, New Zealand Police mentioned in an announcement.
“The person suffered a critical head damage when tackled and was taken to hospital by associates,” police inspector Ross Grantham mentioned.
“Tragically, he handed away in hospital on Monday evening.
“We might urge anybody desirous about participating in a recreation or occasion like this to contemplate the numerous security and damage dangers.”
Grantham mentioned the incident was an impromptu recreation amongst associates, not a deliberate occasion.
Nonetheless, the “tragic consequence does spotlight the inherent security considerations with such an exercise”.
The incident will not be thought-about a felony 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 members face critical concussion dangers.
