A Georgia family is mourning the loss of Robert Craig, 10, after he tragically died in his front yard due to what police believe could have been aTikTokchallenge.
“I walked outside, I saw his tablet and I saw him hanging from the tree,” Madison told the outlet, noting how her younger brother usually made TikTok videos on the tablet.
Robert was rushed to a hospital, but it was too late and the 10-year-old boy died shortly after, WGCL reported.
“They said they don’t believe it was a suicide because he was a happy child, and after looking at his TikTok, it could have been aTikTok challenge,” Madison told the outlet.
Police believe Robert may have been attempting the “Blackout Challenge,” which dares TikTok users to choke themselves until they are unconscious. The challenge, which has gained traction on TikTok over the last year, has already led to the death of several children, including 12-year-old Colorado residentJoshua Haileyesusand a10-year-old girl in Palermo, Italy.
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“Our deepest sympathies are with the family,” a TikTok spokesperson tells PEOPLE in a statement. “We prioritize the safety of our community andstrictly prohibit and remove dangerous challengesfrom our platform. While we still have not found evidence of a ‘blackout challenge’ trending on our platform, we remain vigilant in our commitment to user safety.”
A spokesperson for the Floyd County Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
source: people.com
