Two Pennsylvania teens are facing criminal charges after a series of risky stunts inspired by TikTok led to the death of a 17-year-old and left another with severe, lifelong injuries. The incidents, which occurred in Northampton County, were linked to reckless driving and dangerous social media challenges. While the teens are not accused of premeditated harm, their actions are being classified as criminally negligent.
The first incident occurred on June 1 when a 17-year-old died after riding on a folding table tied to the back of a car. The driver, reportedly a friend of the victim, was found to have been driving at an excessive speed, leading to a collision where the victim died. In a separate incident on March 18, a 20-year-old female friend was injured after falling off a car trunk while ‘surfing’ in a parking lot. The woman sustained catastrophic head injuries, which are expected to be permanent in nature.
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta emphasized that the teens are being charged for their gross negligence rather than deliberate harm. Both victims were close friends, and the families expressed a desire to use the incidents as a lesson to prevent similar tragedies. The DA indicated that there is no criminal history for the suspects and that the families do not seek incarceration, so plea deals could potentially avoid jail time.
Baratta further stated that the families of the victims are hoping the charges will serve as a deterrent against other youth who might be tempted by the thrill of dangerous social media trends. The DA’s office issued a statement encouraging accountability and awareness, noting that such stunts are not limited to Pennsylvania. Similar incidents have occurred in Utah, where a 15-year-old suffered a severe brain injury from a car surfing stunt last year.
These cases highlight the ongoing issue of social media challenges leading to real-world dangers. While the teens involved are not being sought for incarceration, the charges aim to underline the seriousness of their actions and the potential consequences for others who might follow suit. The hope is that increased awareness and legal consequences will reduce the incidence of such risky behaviors in the future.