As children, we all have moments of acting impulsively or foolishly. Part of growing up is learning to make better choices and avoid risky behaviors.
Unfortunately, children are often susceptible to peer pressure and external influences, and even the smartest kids can be convinced to engage in dangerous activities.
Take the case of Tyler Broome, whose parents had to face the harsh consequences of their son’s participation in a viral YouTube trend known as the “roundabout of death.”
The name alone hints at the danger, but for Tyler, it wasn’t about performing a daring stunt. Instead, he was trying to impress his friends by showing off his courage.
After enduring intense gravitational forces (G-force) from the stunt, the 11-year-old suffered injuries similar to those experienced by fighter pilots.
The “roundabout of death” involves riders sitting in the center of a playground roundabout while the rear wheel of a motorcycle spins it at a dangerously high speed.
Tyler was found unconscious shortly after the stunt, and doctors feared he had sustained brain and eye injuries.
The force he experienced was likely similar to the G-forces felt by astronauts and pilots during flight.
Tyler and his friend were at a local park when a group of older teens dared them to join in.
Tyler’s mother, Dawn, recalled the harrowing experience: “I don’t recognize my child anymore – he was on the verge of having a stroke. Tyler didn’t even know the boy who approached him, and they weren’t friends,” she said, according to The Independent.
“The older boy placed his motorbike on the ground, revved the engine, and spun the roundabout at a terrifying speed. Once the stunt was over, the group just walked away, leaving Tyler behind. It was pure bullying.”
Dawn went on to explain that when Tyler was rushed to the hospital, doctors were stunned by the severity of his injuries. “They had never seen anything like it. They had to conduct investigations before they could even begin treatment,” she said.
“The damage was so extreme, Tyler’s head swelled up completely. His blood vessels burst, his eyes looked alien, and his vision became blurry. This isn’t something you can just treat like a broken arm. He doesn’t even remember the incident.”
This tragedy is a stark reminder that kids, fueled by curiosity and the desire to fit in, may attempt things that parents would warn them against.
Our thoughts are with Tyler and his family as they navigate this difficult journey.
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