WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – A tragic incident unfolded in Palmerston North, New Zealand, where a 19-year-old man named Ryan Satterthwaite died after participating in a social media-driven tackling game known as RUNIT. The game, which involves players colliding head-on without any protective gear, has gained immense popularity on social media platforms.
Police reported that Satterthwaite sustained a serious head injury while engaging in this backyard tackling game with friends on a Sunday. Despite efforts to address his injuries, he succumbed to them the following day, resulting in a significant loss for his family and community.
Inspector Ross Grantham, the area police commander, referred to Satterthwaite’s death as "a huge tragedy," underscoring the risks associated with this emerging game. He implored the public to acknowledge the dangers and potential for severe injuries involved in participating in RUNIT or RUNIT Straight, suggesting that such games should not be taken lightly.
Grantham emphasized that although the game was played informally among friends rather than an organized event, it highlights the serious safety concerns inherent to uncontrolled physical activities. He clarified that while this tragic incident would not be treated as a criminal matter, police inquiries would continue to be undertaken for the coroner.
RUNIT mimics contact sports like rugby union and rugby league. In the game, two contestants— a runner and a tackler—run at each other for a collision across a designated area referred to as the battlefield, measuring 20 meters by four meters (approximately 65 feet by 13 feet). The game has been marketed as "the world’s fiercest new collision sport." Its growth has been fueled by the Australian RUNIT Championship League, which entices participants with monetary rewards.
Recently, two trial events held in Auckland saw eight competitors vie for a prize of 20,000 New Zealand dollars (about $12,000) in front of over 1,000 spectators. The victors are anticipated to compete in a championship event scheduled for next month, with the potential to win up to 250,000 New Zealand dollars (around $150,000).
However, two additional events in Auckland faced cancellation as organizers failed to secure the necessary permits to proceed. In light of the recent tragedy, the RUNIT Championship League released a statement addressing the incident. They expressed condolences to Satterthwaite's family and insisted that any participation in contact sports should occur only under strict, controlled conditions, which should include professional medical supervision.
Experts in head injuries have strongly criticized RUNIT for its dangerous potential, highlighting that participants are at heightened risk for severe brain injuries. The advocacy for safer practices in recreational collision activities has gained traction, marking a crucial moment for awareness concerning the broader implications of such games. The heightened enthusiasm surrounding socially-driven trends needs to be balanced with an understanding of safety risks and protective measures necessary for participants in any physical contact activity.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with engaging in uncontrolled physical collision activities, especially those inspired by social media trends.
