A 19-year-old has died in New Zealand as a result of injuries sustained while playing a tackle game that was reportedly inspired by a social media trend, police have confirmed.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, May 25, in Palmerston North, where the young man suffered a critical head injury while participating in the game with friends. He succumbed to his injuries in the hospital the following evening, according to a news release issued by New Zealand Police on May 27, citing Inspector Ross Grantham, Manawatū Area Commander.
“The man suffered a serious head injury when tackled, and was taken to hospital by his friends. Tragically, he passed away in hospital on Monday night,” Inspector Grantham said.
The teenager has been identified by Radio New Zealand (RNZ), the New Zealand Herald, and the Dominion-Post as Ryan Satterthwaite. Reports indicate that Satterthwaite was injured while playing a private game known as “Run It Straight,” which is associated with the broader “Run It” social media trend. The New Zealand Herald described the game as involving a runner and a tackler colliding at full speed on a field approximately 66 feet by 13 feet.
The website for the “Run It” Championship League features a message describing “Run It” as “the WORLD’S fiercest, new collision sport” that has gained significant popularity on social media.
Inspector Grantham expressed his condolences in the police release, stating, “This young man’s death is an absolute tragedy and my thoughts are with his family and friends.” He further noted that “The tackle game played by the group of friends was based on a social media-driven trend, where participants compete in full-contact collisions without protective gear.”
Highlighting the inherent risks associated with such activities, Inspector Grantham added, “While this was an impromptu game among friends, not a planned event, this tragic outcome does highlight the inherent safety concerns with such an activity. We would urge anyone thinking about taking part in a game or event like this to consider the significant safety and injury risks.”
Police indicated that while the incident is not considered a criminal matter, they will continue to make inquiries on behalf of the coroner.
According to RNZ, Ryan Satterthwaite was employed at Mainfreight Transport in Palmerston North. A spokeswoman for the company stated that they are providing support to Satterthwaite’s family but declined to comment further on an employee.
The “Run It” Championship League, based in Australia, issued a statement via RNZ emphasizing that combat sports and similar activities should only take place in controlled environments with professional medical supervision. The organization extended its sympathies to the teenager’s family and friends.
New Zealand Police did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.
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