Boy, 12, dies in social media challenge as heartbroken family warn of the unknown horrors of the online world
Sebastian was at home celebrating his little brother's First Holy Communion in Castleford, West Yorkshire, before he was found unresponsive.
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Sebastian was only 12 years old
Credit: GoFundMe
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The boy was sadly pronounced dead, despite best efforts to save him
Credit: © YappApp
Emergency services scrambled to the home at 6:06pm on Friday.
The boy was sadly pronounced dead, despite best efforts to save him.
Sebastian's father Marcin believes his son died while attempting a viral TikTok challenge with a scarf.
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It reads: "A boy full of dreams, passion, and incredible talent. 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."
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It pleaded: "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."
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."
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