A 19-year-old New Zealand man, Ryan Satterthwaite, tragically died after sustaining a severe head injury during a game inspired by the controversial ‘Run It Straight’ trend. The incident occurred in Palmerston North on Sunday afternoon, and Satterthwaite passed away on Monday night despite efforts to save him.
According to Manawatū Police Inspector Ross Grantham, Satterthwaite was participating in an impromptu tackle game with friends when the fatal injury happened. He was immediately rushed to the hospital by his friends, but medical teams were unable to save his life. Grantham emphasized that the game was not a planned event, stating,
‘This was an impromptu game among friends, not a planned event.’
While no criminal charges are expected, police are conducting inquiries on behalf of the Coroner.
The Rise and Risks of ‘Run It Straight’
The ‘Run It Straight’ trend has gained significant traction online, despite growing criticism from health professionals and safety experts. The game involves two individuals charging at each other at high speed without protective gear, aiming to dominate the collision. The sport’s website promotes it as
‘the world’s fiercest new combat sport.’
However, the recent death has intensified calls for the sport to be banned due to its inherent dangers.
Health professionals have long warned against the risks associated with such high-impact activities. Neuroscientist Dr. Helen Murray described the sport as an unacceptable risk, pointing out the lack of measures to mitigate head acceleration.
‘There is clearly a high risk of head injury in this event. There’s no attempt to reduce head acceleration, so I do not support it,’
she told the NZ Herald.
Expert Opinions and Safety Concerns
Professor Patria Hume, a sports science and injury prevention expert, criticized the sport as a step backwards in terms of safety. She stated,
‘This is a reckless and dangerous spectacle. The science is clear – repeated head impacts increase risk of long-term brain damage.’
Australian neurologist Dr. Alan Pearce echoed these concerns, labeling the sport as insanity and criticizing its emphasis on blunt force over skill and strategy.
Despite these warnings, ‘Run It Straight’ events have been held in cities like Auckland and Melbourne, attracting large crowds and significant online attention. At a recent event in Auckland, three out of eight competitors were injured, with two showing symptoms of concussion. The popularity of these events online, fueled by viral clips of brutal hits and knockouts, continues to grow, raising alarms among health experts about the potential for traumatic brain injuries and long-term neurological damage.
Community Reactions and Event Cancellations
The death of Ryan Satterthwaite has cast a spotlight on the safety concerns surrounding ‘Run It Straight.’ Tributes have poured in from friends and family, mourning the loss of a young man described as kind and humble. In the wake of the tragedy, a planned ‘Run It Straight’ event in Auckland was canceled due to safety concerns and the organizers’ failure to secure necessary permits.
Local board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich cited safety fears as a key factor in the decision to oppose the event.
‘The local board opposes this event for reasons of safety,’
he said. Auckland Council confirmed that the event would likely not have been approved had the organizers applied for formal approval.
Ongoing Debate and Future Implications
Despite the backlash, ‘Run It Straight’ founder Christian Lesa claims that community support for the sport remains strong.
‘When the community’s there, loving it like I do, it means a lot,’
he stated. However, many experts continue to voice concerns about the risks involved. Dr. Pearce highlighted the long-term effects of brain trauma suffered by hundreds of retired footballers, expressing shock at the glorification of violence in sports.
While some athletes and public figures have endorsed the event, calling it a safe simulation of past combat, the debate over its safety persists. Event spokesperson Billy Coffey argued that organized competitions include safety measures such as waivers, medical checks, and on-site ambulances, offering former athletes a chance to reconnect with their competitive spirit.
The tragic death of Ryan Satterthwaite has reignited discussions around the safety of collision sports and the responsibilities of organizers to protect participants. As the debate continues, the future of ‘Run It Straight’ remains uncertain, with potential regulatory actions looming on the horizon to address the growing concerns.
