Joe Yates
A 12-year-old boy has died after reportedly taking part in a dangerous social media challenge, which also claimed the life of an American teen earlier this year.
The schoolboy, identified only as Sebastian of Castleford in England, is understood to have been celebrating his little brother's first holy communion when he was found unresponsive, on Friday (June 27).
His father Marcin believes he was taking part in the 'blackout challenge' that has circulated on social media - which involves participants choking themselves, often with a scarf, to deprive their brain of oxygen.
"Police were called by ambulance colleagues to an address in Manor Grove, Castleford, at 6:06 p.m. [ on June 27] following reports of concern for the safety of a child," West Yorkshire Police said in a statement.
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"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."
A GoFundMe page has since been set up by loved ones close to Sebastian's grieving parents, to help cover funeral expenses, psychological support and loss of earnings.
"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 read in part.
"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."
It went on to warn parents of the dangers of social media, urging those with kids to talk to their children about what they watch online, who they talk to and what inspires them.
"Let it be a quiet call for awareness - a reminder to stay close, to talk more, to protect the ones we love. So that other children may live. So that no other parent has to experience this unimaginable pain," it adds.
You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
It comes just four months after 13-year-old Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr., of Murrieta, California, was found unresponsive in his bedroom having participated in the 'blackout challenge' that claimed the lives of several children in 2021.
He was discovered by his mom who performed CPR on her son, but it was too late.