CAIRO: An 18-year-old son of a former Egyptian MP is believed to be the latest victim of a suicide-linked “game” after he was found hanged inside his room this week.
Local press reported that Khalid, the son of former Egyptian MP Hamdy El-Fakharany, was discovered dead in his room along with notes and diagrams scribbled on bits of paper, thought to be written by the victim.
The victim’s older siblings took to social media to warn against the “Blue Whale” phenomenon, which they blamed for their brother’s death.
The victim’s sister, Yasmine El-Fakharany, said: “My brother was playing the Blue Whale.. we found papers and symbols of the game among his belongings.”
“I beg you, don't challenge yourselves and try the game. No one was as strong and as religious as Khalid, yet he challenged it, and it defeated him,” the sister wrote.
Yasmine shared a picture of the notes which had been found in the victim’s room. There was a small drawing of a whale, which she said is a symbol of the deadly game. Also in the notes was a message written in English that read: “I’ve felt alone...”
The game makes young players join an online challenge where “leaders” order them to kill themselves after completing a 50-task challenge.
Believed to have started in Russia in 2013, the game includes tasks like self-harm, and waking up in the middle of the night to watch psychedelic horror videos.
The disturbing online “game” has been linked to the deaths of several young people around the world. Some Arab countries, including Tunisia and Algeria, have already warned people against playing it.
Death of Egyptian MP's son linked to 'Blue Whale' suicide trend
Death of Egyptian MP's son linked to 'Blue Whale' suicide trend
- The Blue Whale "game" has been linked to several suicides around the world
- The 18-year-old son of former Egyptian MP Hamdy El-Fakharany was found hanged in his bedroom