Boy Dies After Social Media Challenge Goes Wrong, Bethany Police Say

A boy died early Tuesday after he was found unresponsive Monday night at a Bethany apartment complex, police said.

Officers were called shortly before midnight on Monday to the Western Oaks Apartments, 7400 NW 22nd Street, in reference to an unresponsive child.

When officers arrived, they found a boy in the breezeway. He reportedly had ligature marks around his neck. The boy was immediately taken to OU Children's Hospital.

Family members told detectives the incident was not a suicide attempt but a social media challenge known as the "Black Out" challenge that had gone wrong.

The boy died shortly before 7 a.m. Tuesday, police said.

"The loss of a loved one is very traumatic to all and our condolences go out to the family. We would like to warn parents to stay involved with their children and take the time to look what they are doing on social media. Now more than ever due to the lockdowns, kids are bored and looking to occupy their time. Social media is a very influential part of a child’s life and should be heavily scrutinized by parents," Bethany police Lt. Angelo Orefice said in a news release.

Bethany police said the investigation into the death is ongoing.