British boy, 12, dies after trying viral 'blackout challenge' as others warned over dangerous trend

A 12-year-old boy has died after trying a viral trend called the 'blackout challenge', according to a GoFundMe set up by his loved ones.

The fundraiser, which you can donate to here, says that the 12-year-old was called Sebastian and his bright future was lost after 'a dangerous internet challenge took his life'.

Organisers explained that Sebastian tried the 'blackout challenge', which involves a person choking themselves with household items until they lose consciousness and then filming themselves regaining consciousness.

Back in 2022, The Independent reported that the trend had gained popularity on social media and the participants, mostly children, were supposed to get an adrenaline rush when they became conscious once again.

They warned back in 2022 that the blackout challenge had been linked with the deaths of at least 20 children over the previous 18 months and that it was a continuation of something called 'the choking game' which had resulted in dozens of children dying.

12-year-old Sebastian died after doing the 'blackout challenge' (GoFundMe)

West Yorkshire Police said in a statement on Saturday (28 June): "Police were called by ambulance colleagues to an address in Manor Grove, Castleford, at 6.06pm yesterday (27 June) 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."

The GoFundMe described Sebastian as: "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."

Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious (Getty Stock Image)

An appeal has been made to put out a warning about dangerous trends like the blackout challenge, and for parents to speak to their children about what they're doing online, even if they think it could never happen to their child.

They said: "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."

Once again, the GoFundMe can be donated to here.