SYDNEY: An adolescent has died in New Zealand after participating in a rugby-inspired social media craze that sees contributors dash and crash into one another, police stated Tuesday (Might 27).
The “run-it-straight problem” has gone viral on social media throughout New Zealand and Australia, attracting large crowds to occasions the place contributors cost one another head-on with no protecting gear.
In accordance with the New Zealand Herald, the problem includes a runner and a tackler operating full pace at one another on a discipline measuring 20m by 4m.
A 19-year-old died from a “critical head harm” in New Zealand’s North Island after enjoying the sport with associates over the weekend, New Zealand Police stated in a press release.
“The person suffered a critical head harm when tackled and was taken to hospital by associates,” police inspector Ross Grantham stated.
“Tragically, he handed away in hospital on Monday evening.
“We might urge anybody fascinated by participating in a sport or occasion like this to think about the numerous security and harm dangers.”
Grantham stated the incident was an impromptu sport amongst associates, not a deliberate occasion.
Nevertheless, the “tragic consequence does spotlight the inherent security considerations with such an exercise”.
The incident is just not 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 provide hundreds of {dollars} in prize cash and have drawn curiosity from ex-professional rugby gamers.
Specialists have likened the sport to a fight sport, warning that contributors face critical concussion dangers.
