Texas Teen Tragically Passes After Attempting Social Media Challenge; Parents Criticize Platform Algorithms

A young girl from Texas, just nine years old, met a heartbreaking fate after inadvertently strangling herself while attempting a “blackout challenge,” a perilous trend on social media. Her devastated parents have since spoken out, emphasizing that this dangerous activity is far from a harmless game.

On February 3, JackLynn Blackwell lost her life in her backyard shortly after showing her grandmother a video of another person participating in this hazardous challenge, which has been making rounds on various social media platforms.

“She went outside to play as usual in the yard. I noticed it was unusually quiet,” recounted her father, Curtis Blackwell, to CBS News, reflecting on the tragic day.

“I caught a glimpse of her hair around the corner near the carport and called out, ‘JackLynn!’ I thought she was crouched down playing, as that was her usual spot, but she wasn’t playing,” he recalled.

Upon closer inspection, the father made the horrifying discovery of his daughter with a cord around her neck.

“I tried to do everything I could to save her. I got her off the cord. I tried to give her CPR until the first responders got there. It was the most terrifying, shocking thing I’ve ever seen,” he added.

“It was horrible to see my daughter in such a vulnerable state because of something so senseless.”

Jacklynn’s parents have ripped the devastating social media trend — and urged others to be aware of what their kids were soaking in online.

“It’s not a joke, it’s not a game, it’s life and death, ” Curtis said.

“Most of the kids are like 9 years old to 14 years old. A lot of kids her age, their brains aren’t fully developed, and they are very easily influenced.”

This dangerous game — one of several potentially fatal fads to circulate on sites including TikTok and Instagram — can restrict oxygen to the brain, possibly resulting in seizures, serious injury or death.