Following the tragic death of a Kiwi youth in the high-impact tackling game Run It Straight, British authorities and neuroscientists issue urgent warnings to teenagers about the escalating risks of brain injury linked to this unregulated and increasingly popular social media challenge.
British teenagers have been warned against participating in a perilous trend inspired by a controversial game that has claimed the life of a Kiwi youth. The latest incident involved a 19-year-old, Ryan Satterthwaite, who tragically died following a severe head injury sustained while playing a full-contact tackling game, part of the social media phenomenon "Run It Straight." This game has gained traction for its high-octane clashes, challenging participants to charge towards one another over a 20-metre 'battlefield' without any protective gear.
The rules of the game are straightforward yet alarming: players compete to tackle their opponent while securing a rugby ball. The aim is rooted in dominance, with the game's motto stating, "Victory belongs to the one who dominates the collision." However, this aggressive spirit has led to fatal consequences; Satterthwaite's death has brought renewed attention to the risks associated with this unregulated activity, prompting authorities to issue stern warnings.
Local police have confirmed that Satterthwaite was engaged in an impromptu match when he sustained the fatal injury. Friends attempted to rush him to the hospital, but sadly, it was too late. As the game continues to gain popularity, public figures, including former England rugby star George Burgess, have been actively promoting it. Quite controversially, Burgess even competed in a tournament in Australia, reportedly winning £9,500 in the process. His participation has only added to the troubling nature of a game that many experts strongly advise against, with some calling it "reckless" and "a step backwards" for youth sports.
Prominent neuroscientists and sports scientists have raised alarms about the high risk of head injuries associated with such games. Dr Helen Murray, a neuroscientist, highlighted the absence of measures to mitigate head impacts, emphasising that "there is clearly a high risk of head injury in this event." Similarly, Professor Patria Hume warned of the long-term consequences, stating, "The science is clear – repeated head impacts increase the risk of long-term brain damage."
Community organisations like Headway, a New Zealand charity focused on brain injury prevention, have echoed these concerns. They urge schools, parents, and community leaders to discourage this form of entertainment and promote safer, structured activities for young people. This call to action is crucial, given the current cultural landscape where discussions about youth safety frequently revolve around high-risk behaviours, including reckless driving and dangerous social trends.
In response to the backlash surrounding "Run It Straight," its founder, Christian Lesa, maintained that the game should only be played under strict conditions. Despite the rising criticisms, Burgess has defended the game, suggesting it serves as a safe simulation of past combat sports that allows former athletes to "get off the couch" and reconnect with their competitive spirit. The event’s spokesperson claimed that organised competitions take significant precautions, including medical waivers and on-site ambulances to ensure player safety.
As the dangerous allure of such trends persists, it becomes imperative for parents, educators, and community leaders to engage in open dialogues with youth about the potential consequences of reckless behaviour. Reinforcing education around safety and responsible participation in sports can aid in mitigating the risks associated with similar activities, ultimately promoting healthier, safer alternatives that will benefit the younger generation.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, with the earliest known publication date being May 27, 2025. The incident involving Ryan Satterthwaite occurred on May 25, 2025, and was reported by the Associated Press on May 27, 2025. The Daily Mail article appears to be a republished version of this content, with no significant updates or new information. This suggests the content may be recycled, which raises concerns about freshness. Additionally, the report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the lack of new information or updates in the Daily Mail article suggests a lower freshness score. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The quotes attributed to Dr. Helen Murray and Professor Patria Hume in the Daily Mail article are not found in the Associated Press report. This suggests that the quotes may have been added by the Daily Mail, potentially indicating original or exclusive content. However, without independent verification of these quotes, their authenticity cannot be confirmed. The absence of online matches for these quotes raises the score but flags them as potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a reputable organisation. However, the Associated Press report, which is the primary source, is not accessible due to restrictions. This limits the ability to cross-reference and verify the information, leading to some uncertainty regarding the reliability of the content. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the 'Run It Straight' game and the fatality of Ryan Satterthwaite are plausible and align with known information. The narrative includes specific details such as the location (Palmerston North, New Zealand), the age of the individual (19), and the nature of the game, which are consistent with the Associated Press report. The inclusion of quotes from experts like Dr. Helen Murray and Professor Patria Hume adds credibility, though their authenticity cannot be independently verified. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents plausible claims about the 'Run It Straight' game and the fatality of Ryan Satterthwaite, with specific details that align with known information. However, the content appears to be recycled from earlier reports, with no significant updates or new information, raising concerns about freshness. The inclusion of quotes from experts adds credibility, but their authenticity cannot be independently verified, leading to some uncertainty regarding the reliability of the content. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
