SYDNEY — A 19-year-old New Zealand teen has died from a severe head injury after participating in the viral “run-it-straight” challenge — a dangerous rugby-style trend where people crash into each other at full speed without protection.
Police said the teen was injured during a weekend game on the North Island and later died in hospital Monday night.
The risky craze, popular across New Zealand and Australia, has drawn large crowds and even offered prize money. Authorities and experts are urging people to avoid the challenge, citing serious safety risks and the potential for life-threatening injuries like concussions.
