The family of a 12-year-old boy who was found dead at home have warned of the dangers of a social media challenge they believe led to the tragedy.
The boy, who has been named only as Sebastian, was said to have been found responsive after celebrating his brother’s First Holy Comunion in Castleford, West Yorkshire, yesterday.
Paramedics took him to hospital but he could not be saved.
Sebastian is said to have attempted a dare called the ‘scarf challenge’.
Relatives have not detailed what happened but it may be related to a viral trend which saw a number of other children fatally asphyxiate themselves.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
The parents of four British youngsters who died in similar circumstances are taking TikTok to court over the incidents.
Isaac Kenevan, 13, Archie Battersbee, 12, Julian ‘Jools’ Sweeney, 14, and Maia Walsh, 13, all died in 2022 attempting such dares.
Police said Sebastian’s death is ‘not being treated as suspicious’.
A GoFundMe page set up to support his family described him as a boy ‘full of dreams, passion, and incredible talent’.
A statement on the page says: ‘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.
‘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.’
Detectives are carrying out enquiries on behalf of the coroner to establish the circumstances of Sebastian’s death.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.