By Australia Correspondent Samantha Hayes
The death of a man killed in Brisbane while ‘planking’ hasn’t deterred New Zealanders from the internet craze.
Acton Beale fell seven stories while trying to balance on his balcony railing for a photo. As news of the tragedy spreads, so does the odd sport’s popularity.
Beale’s death is believed to be the first planking fatality, but police fear it won’t be the last.
After a night out drinking, the 20-year-old was attempting to take a photo of himself lying on his seventh story balcony railing, but he lost his footing and fell to his death instead.
“I don’t really understanding it at all – what the appeal is,” says Beale’s neighbour Mark Burch. “I mean, to get a bit of fame on the internet – it just seems a terrible waste.”
Planking involves a person lying rigid, face down on their stomach in unusual or dangerous locations, then taking photos and posting them online.
Police say Beale’s death is a tragedy and should have been avoided.
“It might seem like fun but as this episode has shown, it carries grave risk,” says Deputy Police Commissioner Ross Barnett.
Kiwis promoting planking online say Beale’s death will only increase its popularity as more people learn about the craze. But, they stress the motto is, “plank responsibly”.
It is a view shared by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
“There is a difference between a harmless bit of fun done somewhere that is really safe and taking a risk with your life.”
Police in Australia warn they’ll charge people putting themselves at risk planking in dangerous locations, or if they trespass.
A New Zealand spokesman said planking hadn’t come to their attention yet, but they would strongly discourage it.
3 News
source: newshub archive
