Teen, 19, Dies After Suffering ‘Serious Head Injury’ Playing Tackle Game Inspired by Social Media Trend: ‘Absolute Tragedy’

A 19-year-old teenager tragically passed away in New Zealand after sustaining a serious head injury while playing a tackle game inspired by a social media trend. The young man, identified as Ryan Satterthwaite, was critically injured during the game in Palmerston North and succumbed to his injuries the following evening, as confirmed by the New Zealand Police on May 27.

The incident occurred on a Sunday afternoon when the teenager engaged in a private game known as “Run It Straight,” which is part of the broader “Run It” craze. This particular game involved high-speed collisions between a runner and a tackler on a designated “battlefield.” The game, as described in reports, takes place on a relatively compact field measuring 66 feet by 13 feet.

Inspector Ross Grantham, Manawatū Area Commander, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic outcome, labelling the young man’s death as an “absolute tragedy.” The game that led to the fatal injury was reportedly impromptu and not a planned event, highlighting the inherent risks associated with participating in such full-contact games without protective gear.

The “Run It” Championship League, a sports organisation based in Australia, emphasised the importance of conducting combat-style activities like boxing or martial arts in controlled environments with professional medical supervision. The organisation extended its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased teenager, reflecting a sentiment of shared grief over the unfortunate incident.

Following the incident, Inspector Grantham underscored the critical need for individuals considering participation in similar games or events to carefully assess the safety and injury risks involved. While stressing that the matter was not criminal, he mentioned that the police would continue to investigate on behalf of the coroner to gain insights into the circumstances leading to the tragic outcome.

Moreover, local reports revealed that Ryan Satterthwaite was an employee at Mainfreight Transport in Palmerston North. The workplace has pledged support to the bereaved family during this challenging time but refrained from providing further comments regarding the employee’s involvement in the incident.

In response to the incident, New Zealand Police refrained from immediate comment when approached for additional details, emphasising the ongoing nature of their enquiries into the matter. Efforts to obtain a tribute from Mainfreight Transport in Palmerston North for the deceased teenager have been initiated by PEOPLE, with updates on the situation awaited.

As the community grapples with the loss of a young life due to a seemingly innocuous social media-inspired trend, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unforeseen dangers that could accompany seemingly harmless activities. The lessons drawn from this tragedy underscore the importance of exercising caution and prudence when engaging in physical pursuits, particularly in the context of evolving social media challenges.