Young man dies after fatal collision in social media-driven tackle game

In New Zealand, a tragic incident occurred when a 19-year-old man named Ryan Satterthwaite suffered a serious head injury while playing a tackling game known as 'run it straight' with friends in Palmerston North. This game, which has gained popularity on social media, involves two participants running at each other and colliding without any protective gear. The social media trend has raised concerns about safety, especially after numerous incidents of injuries have been reported in similar games. After sustaining his injury during the game on Sunday, Satterthwaite was hospitalized but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on Monday. Police have described the event as a tragedy, underscoring the significant risks associated with this type of social media-inspired activity. Inspector Ross Grantham pointed out that while this game was an impromptu match among friends and not a formal event, it highlights the inherent dangers involved. There has been a growing trend in New Zealand and Australia where 'run it straight' has evolved into an informal sport, even leading to the organization of tournaments, despite warnings from experts about the potential for long-term head injuries and trauma. The game, informally played for years, has faced criticism and concern, especially as it attracts players of all ages from young children to adults. Organizers of various events have even begun promoting it as the 'world’s fiercest new collision sport', aiming to create an organized competitive environment. However, the popularity has led to incidents where participants suffer severe injuries. Furthermore, this incident has sparked a call for better safety measures such as wearing protective headgear and implementing spotters during games, to help prevent serious injuries in the future. In light of this tragedy, community leaders and event organizers have expressed the need for increased awareness and guidance regarding safe play practices. This includes informing players about the risks of such casual contact sports and the importance of medical oversight during play. Advocates are emphasizing a need for critical safety standards to protect players engaging in this rapidly growing, yet dangerous, social media trend, ensuring that the fun of informal sports does not come at the cost of health and safety.