Monday, June 30, 2025 - A 12-year-old boy was found de@d at home yesterday, Sunday, June 29, and his family is now warning of the dangers of a social media challenge they believe led to the tragedy.
The boy, who has been named only as Sebastian, was said to
have been found responsive after celebrating his brother’s First Holy Communion
in Castleford, West Yorkshire, yesterday.
Paramedics took him to the hospital, but he could not be
saved. Sebastian is said to have attempted a dare called the "scarf
challenge".
Relatives have not detailed what happened, but it may be
related to a viral trend which saw a number of other children f@tally
asphyxiate themselves.
The parents of four British youngsters who di£d in similar
circumstances are taking TikTok to court over the incidents. Isaac
Kenevan, 13, Archie Battersbee, 12, Julian "Jools" Sweeney, 14, and
Maia Walsh, 13, all di£d in 2022 attempting such dares.
Police said Sebastian’s de@th is "not being treated as
suspicious".
A GoFundMe page set up to support his family described him
as a boy "full of dreams, passion, and incredible talent". A
statement on the page says: "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.
"What happened is a tragedy beyond words. No parent
should ever have to bury their child. No one should ever endure such
heartbreak.
"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."
Detectives are carrying out inquiries on behalf of the
coroner to establish the circumstances of Sebastian’s de@th.
0 Comments