Ryan Satterthwaite dies in fatal Palmerston North tackle game incident

Ryan Satterthwaite dies in fatal Palmerston North tackle game incident

Fatal Palmerston North tackle game death of Ryan Satterthwaite – Obituary

Ryan Satterthwaite, a 19-year-old from Palmerston North, New Zealand, tragically lost his life following a severe head injury sustained while playing a physical game influenced by a viral social media trend.

The incident occurred on Sunday, May 25, during an informal game with friends based on the “Run It” challenge, which involves participants charging at each other in full-contact collisions without any protective equipment. Satterthwaite was tackled during the game and suffered a critical head injury. His friends transported him to the hospital, where he later died on Monday evening.

New Zealand Police confirmed his identity and said the activity was not an organized event but rather a spontaneous game among peers. Inspector Ross Grantham of the Manawatū Area expressed condolences to Satterthwaite’s loved ones, calling the situation a “devastating tragedy.”

Police clarified that no criminal activity is suspected but stated that inquiries would continue on behalf of the coroner. The “Run It” Championship League, associated with promoting the game, emphasized that such intense physical contests should only occur under professional supervision and within controlled environments.

Satterthwaite was employed at Mainfreight Transport in Palmerston North. The company is currently supporting his grieving family but has chosen not to release further comments.

Authorities are using this heartbreaking case to warn others about the risks involved in participating in unregulated contact games popularized online.