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Cardiff man's death linked to NekNominate drinking game Mother devastated as son dies after NekNominate drinking game
(about 1 hour later)
Police investigating the fatal collapse of a 29-year-old man are looking into whether a controversial drinking game played a part in his death. The heartbroken mother of a man whose death may have been caused by controversial drinking game Neknominate has spoken of her utter devastation.
Officers and paramedics were called to an address in Rumney, Cardiff, after receiving reports that a man had collapsed after taking part in the NekNominate game. Stephen Brookes died on Sunday following a night out with friends in Cardiff at the weekend.
Paramedics were called to his address in Rumney after the 29-year-old took a turn for the worse – but reportedly found that the former Rumney High School pupil had died in his sleep.
Police confirmed they were investigating the death, which is not thought to be suspicious, and they had received information regarding Neknominate.
The craze involves participants filming themselves downing alcohol, nominating someone to continue the game, and posting the video on Facebook.The craze involves participants filming themselves downing alcohol, nominating someone to continue the game, and posting the video on Facebook.
Participants are often dared to outdo the exploits of those who nominated them.Participants are often dared to outdo the exploits of those who nominated them.
It is thought to have originated in Australia and has seen players consuming alcohol along with dog food, engine oil and live goldfish. Brookes' mother, Paula, described her son as kind, generous and loved by everyone who met him.
A South Wales police spokesman said: "We are investigating the sudden death of a 29-year-old man from Rumney during the early hours of February 9. She said: "The community here will not be the same without him – he would do anything to help anybody.
"Officers investigating his death on behalf of HM Coroner have received information regarding the so-called neck and nominate game. "I want to thank all of Stephen's friends for all the kindness they have shown. Lots of his friends have brought cards."
"Inquiries are continuing and a postmortem is taking place." It is believed Brookes collapsed after attempting to down a pint of vodka. A video of him taking part in Neknominate was posted on to Facebook but was later removed after he died suddenly the next morning.
Police and student groups in the UK and Ireland have warned people about the dangers of taking part in NekNominate amid fears that the game may have resulted in three deaths. Friends of Brookes called on people not to take part in Neknominate.
In Ireland Jonny Byrne and Ross Cummings both lost their lives after apparently trying to complete their challenges. Byrne, 19, drowned after drinking a pint and jumping into the River Barrow in Carlow. Sofia Caffell said: "It really has to be stopped before this happens again. Let this be a lesson to everybody."
His brother Patrick later issued an appeal on Facebook to urge others to stop playing the game. He said: "He thought he had to beat the competition and after he necked his pint he jumped into the river. If people have any decency and respect, they will refrain from any more of this stupid NekNomination." Family friend Heather Morris added: "I was stunned to hear of Stephen's death. I have so many lovely memories of him … at school. He will be missed in Rumney."
Dublin DJ Ross Cummings, 22, died when he too reportedly carried out a NekNomination. Police and student groups in the UK and Ireland have previously warned people about the dangers of taking part in Neknominate amid fears it may have resulted in three deaths.
According to the Daily Mirror, the first UK victim of the game died at the weekend. The paper's website reported that former grammar school boy and youth hostel worker Isaac Richardson, 20, drank a cocktail of wine, whisky, vodka and lager before collapsing and dying in the early hours of Sunday. In Ireland, Jonny Byrne and Ross Cummings both died after apparently trying to complete their challenges.
Byrne, 19, drowned after drinking a pint and jumping into the River Barrow in Carlow.
His brother Patrick later went on to Facebook to urge others to stop playing the game.
He said: "He thought he had to beat the competition and after he necked his pint he jumped into the river.
"If people have any decency and respect, they will refrain from any more of this stupid Neknomination."
Dublin DJ Ross Cummings, 22, died when he too reportedly carried out a Neknomination.
According to the Daily Mirror, the first UK victim of the game died at the weekend.
The paper's website reported that former grammar school boy and youth hostel worker Isaac Richardson, 20, drank a cocktail of wine, whisky, vodka and lager before collapsing and dying in the early hours of Sunday.
Anti-binge drinking campaign groups said they were saddened to hear of another death linked to Neknominate.
Alcohol Concern chief executive Eric Appleby said: "It is devastating for family and friends to lose someone in this way.
"This lethal 'game' shows just how hard we have to work to de-normalise binge-drinking among young people.
"But it's not just about young people. They take their cues from society's attitude to drinking and it's this we have to change for all our sakes."
South Wales police said its inquiries into Brookes' death were continuing.
A force spokeswoman said: "We are investigating the sudden death of a 29-year-old man from Rumney during the early hours of 9 February.
"Officers investigating his death on behalf of HM coroner have received information regarding the so-called neck and nominate game.
"Inquiries are continuing and a post-mortem is taking place."