We all make foolish choices when we’re young. It’s a part of growing up and learning when to say no to risky things. Unfortunately, even the brightest kids can get roped into dangerous stunts due to the influence of peers and other pressures.
Take the case of Tyler Broome, an 11-year-old who fell victim to the “roundabout of death” YouTube trend. What might sound like a risky prank was, for Tyler, a way to impress his friends with his bravery. Little did he know the severe consequences that awaited him.
In this trend, participants sit in the center of a playground roundabout while the rear wheel of a motorbike spins it rapidly. The extreme gravitational forces (G-forces) experienced can lead to injuries similar to those observed in fighter pilots.
Unfortunately, Tyler suffered serious injuries as a result of participating in this dangerous stunt. He was found unconscious near the roundabout, with possible brain and visual damage. The G-forces he experienced were typically only felt by astronauts and pilots.
According to Tyler’s mom, Dawn, he and a friend were approached by older kids in a nearby park who challenged them to join in the game. Tyler didn’t know the boy who came over, and they were not friends. The older kid placed his motorbike on the ground and spun the roundabout at a high speed. Afterward, the group simply left, leaving Tyler with life-altering injuries.
Dawn describes her child’s condition as being on the verge of a stroke. Tyler’s head swelled up, his blood vessels burst, and his eyes looked abnormal. His vision became blurry, and he had difficulty remembering the incident.
As parents, it’s crucial for us to understand that children are prone to trying things that we, as adults, would avoid. Tyler and his family are now in our hearts and prayers. Let’s share this story to raise awareness about the highly risky “roundabout of death” game.
It’s alarming to see how easily children can be persuaded to take part in dangerous activities like the “roundabout of death” trend. We need to educate our kids about the potential consequences and help them make better choices. Let Tyler’s story serve as a reminder to keep our children safe and aware of the risks they may encounter.
