Latest TikTok Challenge of Jumping Off a Speeding Boat Has Killed 4 People

Social media challenges can be many things: innovative, exhilarating…

Deadly.

For instance, the “angel of death” challenge had people jumping in front of moving trucks, while the “blackout challenge” had people strangling themselves with pieces of cloth. And now, there’s a “speeding boat” challenge that has people jumping off high-speed boats.

It really gets you thinking, “Why?”

Latest TikTok Challenge of Jumping Off a Speeding Boat Has Killed 4 People

As its name implies, the “speeding boat” challenge is all about high-speed boats and how you gotta jump off the side while they’re still moving.

Some dive in feet first, but others do it with their backs facing the water or with a fancy backflip.

At first glance, the challenge presents several inherent risks. And the death tally has certainly reflected them.

Over in Alabama, United States, at least four people have passed away after the challenge.

All four were men.

They reportedly broke their necks upon landing, effectively going through instant deaths.

One of the four deceased was with his wife and kids when he jumped.

His wife was recording him at the time.

What was initially intended to be a harmless antic has turned out to be an event that will haunt the entire family.

Meanwhile, the most recent demise occurred in May 2023.

Captain Jim Dennis, who hails from the Childersburg Rescue Squad in Alabama, strongly urged people to avoid this challenge. He called the aforementioned deaths “avoidable”, stating that the “needless loss of life” is irritating considering their efforts to rescue people.

Apparently, jumping out of a high-speed boat has been described as being similar to hitting concrete.

Not a pleasant sensation.

Netizens Have Mixed Reactions

After news of the death tally went viral on, ironically, TikTok, Netizens were quick to form two sides of the equation.

Some echoed concerns that the challenge is too dangerous.

Others, however, stated that the risks have been exaggerated.

And that it’s relatively safe as long as people don’t go overboard.

Other Deadly Challenges

Back in 2022, an 18-year-old Indonesian boy underwent the Malaikat Maut Challenge, also known as the “angel of death” challenge.

To succeed in the challenge, the individual has to leap in front of the moving truck and wait for it to stop.

The 18-year-old took on the challenge with two other participants but was the only one to really wait for the truck to stop.

As a result, his body ended up going underneath the vehicle. He died on the spot.

And in the same year, a 9-year-old girl in Milwaukee underwent the “blackout” challenge. Participants have to asphyxiate themselves with items until they lose consciousness.

Not entirely understanding the risks, the girl went on top of a toy chest with a metal dog leash around her neck and stepped forward.

She died after being aloft two feet from the floor.