12-Year-Old Yorkshire Boy Dies Attempting “Blackout Challenge”

© GoFundMe
Sebastian, a 12-year-old boy from Castleford, West Yorkshire, died after trying the dangerous “blackout challenge” at home on June 27.
The incident occurred during his younger brother’s First Holy Communion celebration. Police responded to a call at 6:06 p.m. and transported Sebastian to the hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.
The Challenge and Its Dangers
Known also as the “choking game,” the blackout challenge involves self-strangulation—sometimes using a scarf—to momentarily deprive the brain of oxygen. It offers a fleeting high but can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or death. The challenge surged in popularity on TikTok in 2021 and has been linked to at least 20 child fatalities in just 18 months.

Family’s Heartfelt Warning
Sebastian’s father, Marcin, believes his son died attempting the viral trend. A GoFundMe campaign—started by Agnieszka Czerniejewska—describes Sebastian as “a boy full of dreams, passion, and incredible talent,” skilled in guitar, keyboards, and drawing. The fundraiser urges parents to monitor their children’s online activity and state of mind:
“The online world can be as dangerous as the real one … Let Sebastian’s passing be a call for awareness”.
Investigation and Broader Context for the Boy
West Yorkshire Police confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious, and the coroner is investigating the circumstances. Authorities warn this isn’t a unique case; similar incidents have prompted lawsuits against TikTok and calls for stricter regulation of harmful content.

Families of other victims—such as British children Isaac Kenevan and Archie Battersbee—have taken legal action, alleging TikTok’s algorithm amplified dangerous content. TikTok asserts it has blocked associated keywords since 2020. It also directs users to safety warnings, yet critics argue far more robust parental oversight and changes in platform behavior are needed.
Expert and Legal Debate
According to a 2008 CDC report, the broader “choking game” has caused over 80 youth deaths in the U.S. since the 1990s. Legal scholars are pressing on the limits of Section 230 immunity. This currently shields platforms like TikTok, showing that algorithm-driven promotion of dangerous trends may fall outside typical protections.
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