Ryan Satterthwaite, a young man from New Zealand, tragically lost his life due to a head injury sustained during an impulsive game of "run it straight," which is influenced by social media and involves high-speed collisions without protective gear.
Teen Tragedy: New Zealand Rugby Tackle Game Claims Life
Teen Tragedy: New Zealand Rugby Tackle Game Claims Life
A 19-year-old's death highlights dangers of viral contact sport trend.
New Zealand has been shaken by the tragic news of a 19-year-old's death following a game inspired by social media. Ryan Satterthwaite suffered a "serious head injury" during a casual match of "run it straight," a sport that has gained popularity for mimicking rugby collisions without any form of protection. He succumbed to his injuries in the hospital after participating in the game with friends in Palmerston North.
Police spokesperson Ross Grantham issued a statement emphasizing the significant risks involved in such games, even when played casually among friends. He clarified that while this wasn't a planned event, the incident underscores the inherent dangers associated with such activities. The investigation is ongoing to assist the coroner, but it is not considered a criminal matter.
"Run it straight," traditionally a backyard game in both New Zealand and Australia, has recently surged in popularity, particularly online, despite warnings from critics about the potential for severe head trauma and brain injuries. Videos showcasing the game flood social media, often depicting players who lose consciousness after collisions, raising further concerns about safety.
The phenomenon has led to the organization of tournaments, with the Runit Championship League recently debuting in Auckland, attracting over 1,000 attendees for a chance at a sizeable cash prize. However, safety concerns have been highlighted, as videos from these events have shown participants suffering injuries, including seizures.
Kimami Ngaluafe, an event organizer for another similar match, "Up the Guts NZ," acknowledged the long-standing appeal of the game across different age groups. He stressed the importance of safety measures, suggesting players should wear protective headgear and have spotters to mitigate the risk of head injuries during gameplay. "In New Zealand, kids are playing this kind of game every day. They deserve to be guided properly and shown how to do it the right way," Ngaluafe urged.
As the popularity of "run it straight" continues to rise, the tragic loss of Ryan serves as a stark reminder of the need for caution and safety in contact sports, particularly those embraced impulsively through social media.
Police spokesperson Ross Grantham issued a statement emphasizing the significant risks involved in such games, even when played casually among friends. He clarified that while this wasn't a planned event, the incident underscores the inherent dangers associated with such activities. The investigation is ongoing to assist the coroner, but it is not considered a criminal matter.
"Run it straight," traditionally a backyard game in both New Zealand and Australia, has recently surged in popularity, particularly online, despite warnings from critics about the potential for severe head trauma and brain injuries. Videos showcasing the game flood social media, often depicting players who lose consciousness after collisions, raising further concerns about safety.
The phenomenon has led to the organization of tournaments, with the Runit Championship League recently debuting in Auckland, attracting over 1,000 attendees for a chance at a sizeable cash prize. However, safety concerns have been highlighted, as videos from these events have shown participants suffering injuries, including seizures.
Kimami Ngaluafe, an event organizer for another similar match, "Up the Guts NZ," acknowledged the long-standing appeal of the game across different age groups. He stressed the importance of safety measures, suggesting players should wear protective headgear and have spotters to mitigate the risk of head injuries during gameplay. "In New Zealand, kids are playing this kind of game every day. They deserve to be guided properly and shown how to do it the right way," Ngaluafe urged.
As the popularity of "run it straight" continues to rise, the tragic loss of Ryan serves as a stark reminder of the need for caution and safety in contact sports, particularly those embraced impulsively through social media.
