Baseless reports are circling the internet that a 9-year-old was killed by fishing line in a dirt bike accident in Australia.
The story emerged on TikTok where many are expressing their condolences, although it’s completely unsubstantiated.
It appears to be a fake rumor and people are getting confused with another incident in which a 16-year-old was injured by fishing line.
9-year-old killed in dirt bike fishing line accident debunked
Many on TikTok are claiming a 9-year-old was decapitated while riding a dirt bike because somebody put fishing line around trails as a prank.
Fishing line is a strong and flexible cord used in angling to tether and pull in fish. It’s usually transparent and really difficult to see.
There have been many instances of bikers being injured on the neck by fishing line, although the latest story appears to be false.
No official news reports about an accident involving a 9-year-old exist online and the viral TikTok claims are baseless.
Am I really seeing a bunch of people chasing views saying a 9-year-old was killed on a dirt bike by a fishing line when that story is nowhere to be found and you best believe it would be in the news….. People are sick. About to start reporting videos.
— SpectreSam (@Spectre_Sam) May 20, 2023
16-year-old injured in fishing line dirt bike incident
People seem to be getting confused with a story about a 16-year-old who was injured by fishing wire in Australia, but he wasn’t killed.
A news clip has had more than 600,000 views on TikTok which reveals the kid, called Levi, was riding a dirt bike when the incident happened.
It’s not clear when the accident occurred, but the boy’s father explains someone put fishing wire between two trees at head height in the clip.
The video was shared on the social media platform this week and includes a photo of the slash the teenager suffered to his neck.
Baseless story spreads on TikTok
The unfounded story has spread quickly on TikTok where everyone is paying tribute.
One person wrote: “He was a baby still. My heart breaks for his momma and family. Who ever did this needs to be charged.”
“I am so sorry this had to happen. RIP. Ride high,” said another.
A third person added: “Rest easy up there brother. Heaven gained another one too soon.”
“People are so disgusting,” someone else said.
