A teenager in Virginia, 17-year-old Raleigh Freeman III, known as Rylo Hunchodied after shooting himself in the head while filming a live video on Instagram.
During the broadcast, Huncho showed a gun with a built-in laser, simulated acts of violence and uttered provocative phrases. Then, he pointed the gun at his head and pulled the trigger by mistake, shooting himself.
Huncho was rushed to the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital to Suffolk, VA, but passed away shortly after. News of his death was confirmed by a close friend, Twin Porter, on Facebook, sparking great grief and criticism on social media.
The video of the tragic live broadcast went viral, but out of respect for the family, Blaze News decided not to share it. A GoFundMe started by Monica Savage, Huncho's cousin, it raised nearly $2,700 of the $15,000 needed to support the family.
Huncho's social media content often included references to violence. Her death has raised discussions about the responsibility of social platforms and their influence on young users. The investigation into his death is still ongoing.