A 19-year-old man from New Zealand has tragically died following a serious head injury sustained during a game linked to the controversial ‘Run It Straight’ trend. Ryan Satterthwaite, hailing from Palmerston North, passed away on Monday night after engaging in the full-contact collision game on Sunday afternoon.
According to Manawatū Police Inspector Ross Grantham, Satterthwaite was participating in an impromptu tackle game with friends when the fatal injury occurred. Despite being rushed to the hospital by his friends, he could not be saved. Grantham emphasized that the game was not a planned event, stating, ‘This was an impromptu game among friends, not a planned event.’ The police are conducting inquiries on behalf of the Coroner, although the incident is not being treated as a criminal matter.
The Rise of ‘Run It Straight’
The ‘Run It Straight’ phenomenon has surged in popularity online, despite growing criticism from health professionals and safety experts. The game involves two participants charging at each other 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 reignited calls for the sport to be banned.
Health experts argue that the sport disregards decades of research on head injury prevention. Neuroscientist Dr. Helen Murray described the activity as an ‘unacceptable risk,’ highlighting the high potential for head injuries due to the lack of measures to reduce head acceleration. Professor Patria Hume, an authority on sports science and injury prevention, criticized the sport as ‘a step backwards.’ She stated, ‘The science is clear – repeated head impacts increase the risk of long-term brain damage.’
Health Concerns and Public Reaction
Australian neurologist Dr. Alan Pearce echoed these concerns, labeling the sport as ‘insanity.’ He remarked, ‘You’re removing the skill and strategy and replacing it with blunt force.’ Despite the warnings, ‘Run It Straight’-style events have been held in cities like Auckland and Melbourne, attracting significant crowds and online attention. At a recent Auckland event, three out of eight competitors were injured, with two displaying concussion symptoms.
Clips of intense collisions and knockouts have gone viral, further fueling the sport’s online popularity. However, health experts warn that the activity poses a significant risk of traumatic brain injury and long-term neurological damage. The death of Ryan Satterthwaite has intensified scrutiny over the sport’s safety.
Community and Official Responses
Tributes for Satterthwaite have poured in from friends and family, with messages such as ‘Rest easy brother Ryan Satterthwaite.’ Another tribute read, ‘So sorry to hear this, especially for the beautiful family I know going through this tragic event.’ Satterthwaite, who worked at Mainfreight Transport in Palmerston North, was remembered as kind and humble.
Meanwhile, a planned ‘Run It Straight’ event in Auckland was canceled after organizers failed to secure necessary permits. Local board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich cited safety concerns as a key factor in the decision, stating, ‘The local board opposes this event for reasons of safety.’ Auckland Council later confirmed that the event would likely not have been approved.
Christian Lesa, the founder of ‘Run It Straight,’ maintains that community support remains strong despite the backlash. He commented, ‘When the community’s there, loving it like I do, it means a lot.’ Nonetheless, many experts remain apprehensive about the risks involved.
Looking Forward
Dr. Pearce pointed out that hundreds of retired footballers now suffer from the effects of brain trauma, criticizing the glorification of violence in sport. ‘To take the most violent aspect of sport and glorify it – I was speechless,’ he said.
Despite the criticism, some athletes and public figures have endorsed the event. Former NRL star George Burgess defended the concept, describing it as a safe simulation of past combat. Event spokesperson Billy Coffey highlighted that organized competitions involve waivers, medical assessments, and on-site ambulances, claiming it offers former athletes a chance to ‘get off the couch’ and reconnect with their competitive spirit.’
The tragic incident involving Ryan Satterthwaite has cast a spotlight on the safety of ‘Run It Straight,’ prompting a broader conversation about the balance between sport and safety. As the debate continues, the future of this controversial sport hangs in the balance.
