Ryan Satterthwaite, who sustained a fatal head injury in a game called "run it straight," underscores the urgent need for safety measures in popular, unsanctioned sports activities.
Teenager Dies from Head Injury During Dangerous Viral Tackle Game in New Zealand
Teenager Dies from Head Injury During Dangerous Viral Tackle Game in New Zealand
A 19-year-old male lost his life after participating in a risky social media-inspired tackle game, raising serious safety concerns.
In a tragic incident reported on Monday, Ryan Satterthwaite, a 19-year-old from Palmerston North, New Zealand, passed away after sustaining a serious head injury during a game inspired by social media trends, known as "run it straight." The game, which involves two players charging at each other, one holding a ball and the other serving as the tackler, has gained popularity among youth but raises significant safety concerns.
Police spokesperson Ross Grantham emphasized the inherent risks of such impromptu activities, advising individuals to consider safety measures before engaging in similar games. Although the police will not pursue the matter as a criminal investigation, they will conduct inquiries for the coroner's report.
"Run it straight," a casual game traditionally played in Australia and New Zealand, has recently been popularized online, partly due to endorsements from professional rugby players. However, critics have raised alarms about the potential for severe head trauma and long-term brain injuries. Social media platforms showcase videos of participants colliding with each other, often leading to injuries. Instances of players losing consciousness after such tackles have been documented, highlighting the dangers involved.
Runit Championship League, a newly established competitive tournament in Auckland, attracted over 1,000 spectators and offered significant cash prizes, yet faced criticism for promoting a sport with questionable safety standards. One participant was filmed seizing after a collision, amplifying concerns about the game’s regulations and safety protocols.
Kimami Ngaluafe, organizer of another "run it straight" event in New Zealand, affirmed the game’s deep-rooted popularity among locals, acknowledging its status as a backyard sport for various age groups. However, he stressed the necessity of implementing safety practices, such as wearing protective gear and ensuring player safety through supervision.
Ngaluafe poignantly noted that children playing such games deserve proper guidance to mitigate risks, especially in light of Satterthwaite's tragic death. The incident serves as a stark reminder about the need for increased awareness and protective measures in recreational activities inspired by viral trends.
Police spokesperson Ross Grantham emphasized the inherent risks of such impromptu activities, advising individuals to consider safety measures before engaging in similar games. Although the police will not pursue the matter as a criminal investigation, they will conduct inquiries for the coroner's report.
"Run it straight," a casual game traditionally played in Australia and New Zealand, has recently been popularized online, partly due to endorsements from professional rugby players. However, critics have raised alarms about the potential for severe head trauma and long-term brain injuries. Social media platforms showcase videos of participants colliding with each other, often leading to injuries. Instances of players losing consciousness after such tackles have been documented, highlighting the dangers involved.
Runit Championship League, a newly established competitive tournament in Auckland, attracted over 1,000 spectators and offered significant cash prizes, yet faced criticism for promoting a sport with questionable safety standards. One participant was filmed seizing after a collision, amplifying concerns about the game’s regulations and safety protocols.
Kimami Ngaluafe, organizer of another "run it straight" event in New Zealand, affirmed the game’s deep-rooted popularity among locals, acknowledging its status as a backyard sport for various age groups. However, he stressed the necessity of implementing safety practices, such as wearing protective gear and ensuring player safety through supervision.
Ngaluafe poignantly noted that children playing such games deserve proper guidance to mitigate risks, especially in light of Satterthwaite's tragic death. The incident serves as a stark reminder about the need for increased awareness and protective measures in recreational activities inspired by viral trends.
