Schoolboy, 12, dies in West Yorkshire after trying social media challenge as family warn of dangers
A family have warned of the dangers of a social media challenge after their 12-year-old son died trying it for himself.
Sebastian, 12, was at home celebrating his younger brother's First Holy Communion at a residential address on Manor Grove in Castleford, West Yorkshire, before being found unresponsive.
Emergency services, including Yorkshire Ambulance Service, West Yorkshire Police, and a Yorkshire Air Ambulance, were dispatched to the scene at 6:06pm.
The teenager was rushed to hospital in a large police-escorted convoy, but despite efforts to save him, he was sadly pronounced dead.
Local residents noted a significant emergency presence, with multiple vehicles responding to the incident.
Sebastian's father Marcin suggested his son died whilst trying a viral challenge which involves a scarf.
Authorities are continuing their enquiries to establish the full details of Sebastian's death.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by dangerous online challenges, urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant about the content young people engage with on social media.
West Yorkshire police said: 'Police were called by ambulance colleagues to an address in Manor Grove, Castleford, at 6:06pm yesterday (27/6) following reports of concern for the safety of a child.
'Officers attended the location and the boy was taken to hospital where it was later confirmed that he had died.
'Enquiries are ongoing on behalf of the West Yorkshire Coroner to establish exactly what happened. The incident is not being treated as suspicious.'
It comes after the parents of four British teenagers filed a lawsuit against TikTok in February over the deaths of their children, which they claim were the result of the same challenge.
The lawsuit claims Isaac Kenevan, 13, Archie Battersbee, 12, Julian 'Jools' Sweeney, 14, and Maia Walsh, 13, died in 2022 while attempting it.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Sebastian's family and cover funeral costs.
The statement on the fundraiser describes the teenager as 'a boy full of dreams, passion, and incredible talent'.
It added: 'He taught himself to play the guitar and keyboard, and he loved to draw. Always smiling, kind, and full of joy - everyone who met him was touched by his gentle spirit.
'He had loving parents who did everything they could to give him a safe and happy childhood. They would have given him the stars. Sadly, one brief moment changed everything. A dangerous internet challenge took his life.
'What happened is a tragedy beyond words. No parent should ever have to bury their child. No one should ever endure such heartbreak. That's why we're reaching out today, asking for your help.
'We're organising this fundraiser to support Sebastian's family - to help cover funeral expenses, psychological support, and daily costs that suddenly became overwhelming. Every donation, no matter the amount, is not just financial support - it's a message of compassion: "We're with you."
'Sebastian lost his life because of an online challenge... His parents gave him all the love and care in the world - but that one moment online changed everything.
'So today, we ask you - as parents, guardians, friends: Talk to your children about what they do online.
'Ask what they watch, who they talk to, what inspires them. Be present. Don't assume: "My child would never do that." The online world can be as dangerous as the real one - sometimes even more so.
'Let Sebastian's passing not be in vain. Let it be a quiet call for awareness - a reminder to stay close, to talk more, to protect the ones we love. So that other children may live. So that no other parent has to experience this unimaginable pain.
'Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any kind of support - donations, shares, or simply a few comforting words. Sebastian will remain in our hearts forever.'
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