A fundraising appeal says the “online world can be as dangerous as the real one – sometimes even more so”.
The family of a 12-year-old boy from Castleford, West Yorkshire, is speaking out about the dangers of social media after their son, Sebastian, died following his involvement in a dangerous online challenge.
Emergency services were called to a home in Castleford on Friday evening. West Yorkshire Police confirmed that Sebastian was taken to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
An investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances of what happened, but authorities say the incident is not being treated as suspicious.
On a fundraising page created in Sebastian’s memory, his family described the heartbreaking loss as “a tragedy beyond words,” blaming an “internet challenge” for taking his life.
“That one moment online changed everything,” the GoFundMe page states. “No parent should ever have to bury their child. No one should ever endure such heartbreak.”
The family urged others to be vigilant about their children’s online activity.
“Talk to your children about what they do online,” the post continued. “Ask what they’re watching, 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.”
Sebastian was remembered as a gentle, passionate boy who was full of dreams and musical talent. According to the family, he had taught himself to play both the guitar and keyboard.
“Let Sebastian’s passing not be in vain,” the post reads. “Let it serve as 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.”
In a statement, West Yorkshire Police said:
“Police were called by ambulance colleagues to an address in Manor Grove, Castleford, at 6:06 p.m. on Friday following reports of concern for the safety of a child. Officers attended, and the boy was taken to hospital where it was later confirmed 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 family’s message has struck a chord with many, serving as a somber reminder of the real-life consequences of viral online trends.
