Two Ohio teenagers have been indicted after a dangerous social media stunt left one peer dead and another seriously injured.
The incident occurred in early September when the teens encouraged their friend to jump off a wall into a shallow creek as part of a TikTok challenge. The 16-year-old victim struck his head on a submerged log and later died in the hospital. Another teen who attempted a similar stunt suffered spinal injuries and permanent paralysis in one leg.
Authorities charged the two instigators—both 17—with felony counts, including involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment. Officials say the teens documented the event on social media before attempting to delete footage.
The tragedy has prompted renewed skepticism over viral social media challenges and calls for more oversight of youth participation in risky online behavior.