Police in the UK have confirmed they are investigating a possible link to the NekNominate drinking game in relation to the deaths of two men.
According to the Daily Mail, Isaac Richardson and Stephen Brookes are both believed to be victims of the drinking “challenge.”
The paper reports that Mr. Brookes, who was from Cardiff, was filmed downing spirits on Saturday night after being challenged to do so. The video has since been removed.
There are also reports that the other man in question, Mr. Richardson, downed a lethal mix of whiskey, vodka, lager and wine.
Mr. Brookes’ mother Paula said: ‘He went home at about 2am and my daughter-in-law rang me to say he wasn’t well and I needed to come over.
‘When I got there the paramedics were doing everything they could but he didn’t respond. He died in his sleep.
‘Stephen was a fabulous son – he was kind, generous and funny, everybody loved him. The community here will not be the same without him – he would do anything to help anybody.
‘I want to thank all of Stephen’s friends for all the kindness they have shown. Lots of his friends have brought cards.’
New South Wales police reported that they are currently investigating the possibility of a link to NekNomination: ‘We are investigating the sudden and unexplained death of a 29-year-old man from Rumney, Cardiff, during the early hours of Sunday.”
‘Officers investigating his death on behalf of HM Coroner have received information regarding the so-called neck and nominate game.’
‘Enquiries are continuing and a post-mortem examination is due to take place.’
Mr. Richardson, who was working in a backpacker’s hostel in London, reportedly collapsed after drinking a mix of various spirits and lager in the pub under his workplace. Paramedics were called to the scene and tried to revive him.
The deaths of the two young men come just a few days after the death of Jonny Byrne from Carlow whose father spoke out against the NekNomination challenge on the Late Late Show.
