[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_padding=”0px|25px|25px|25px|false|true” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
A 12-year-old girl in Argentina died this week after attempting the deadly \u201cchoking challenge\u201d first popularized on TikTok.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are inconsolable [because] we gave her so much love,\u201d the victim\u2019s aunt Laura Luque told Jam Press of the tragedy, which occurred on January 13 in the city of Capit\u00e1n Bermudez, Santa Fe Province.<\/p>\n
Her niece Milagros Soto had been discovered dead in her home after allegedly participating in the viral \u201cchoking challenge\u201d \u2014 one of several fatal fads to circulate on TikTok. The little girl was found hanging from a makeshift noose, local outlet El Litoral reported.<\/p>\n
Also known as the \u201cblackout challenge,\u201d this dangerous stunt encourages internet clout-seekers to asphyxiate themselves until passing out. Experts have warned that the bizarre viral trend is potentially dangerous \u2014 and can result in fainting, brain damage, seizures and worse.<\/p>\n
Soto isn\u2019t the first youngster to tragically perish from the disturbing online stunt. Over the summer, UK youths Leon Brown, 14, and Archie Battersbee, 12, allegedly died due to the same viral menace.<\/p>\n
Soto had tried the challenge twice successfully, but failed to remove the noose on the third attempt, according to Jam Press. \u201cOn the third occasion, she could not remove the rope from her neck,\u201d lamented Luque of the fatal incident, which was reportedly captured on camera.<\/p>\n
Soto\u2019s motivation for attempting the deadly stunt is yet unclear. However, her aunt claimed that the student had received a WhatsApp message with the link to the challenge after getting bullied at school.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe someone encouraged her to do it,\u201d the bereaved relative insisted. \u201cShe suffered a lot with bullying.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luque added, \u201cShe told us no one wanted her at school because she was pretty with blond hair.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite her prior explanation, the little girl\u2019s aunt said she harbored \u201cmany doubts about everything that happened to her\u201d as \u201cshe was a very smart girl.\u201d<\/p>\n
Authorities have since launched a probe to try and get to the bottom of the preteen\u2019s death.<\/p>\n
The community was devastated over little Soto\u2019s loss.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe support our student\u2019s family in this terrible moment,\u201d said a spokesperson for School 223 Tte. Gral. Pablo Ricchieri, where the victim attended. They described the deceased as \u201cgreat student, friend, sweet, good and kind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, on this side of the pond, TikTok is facing wrongful death lawsuits after two California girls fatally hanged themselves after watching \u201cblackout challenge\u201d videos on the platform.<\/p>\n
\u201cTikTok has invested billions of dollars to intentionally design and develop its product to encourage, enable and push content to teens and children that defendant knows to be problematic and highly detrimental to its minor users\u2019 mental health,\u201d the lawsuit read.<\/p>\n
TikTok did not respond to request for comment from The Post. In the past, the streaming platform has denied responsibility for the ongoing issue, saying \u201cchoking game\u201d injuries from young people long predate the blackout challenge.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, TikTok users are encouraged to flag anybody engaged in the challenge by clicking the symbol that says \u201cReport.\u201d<\/p>\n