Teenager drowns after suspected ALS Ice Bucket Challenge goes wrong

Is this the first ALS Ice Bucket Challenge death? Police launch investigation as 18-year-old boy drowns

cameron-lancaster

by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

The death of 18-year-old Cameron Lancaster is being investigated as the first fatality linked to the now infamous ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

READ: HOW TO DEAL WITH GRIEF AND SEPARATION

The teenager died after disappearing under the water at Prestonhill Quarry in Inverkeithing, Fife, on Sunday evening.

Emergency services were called at 5pm, but Cameron's body was not retrieved until four hours later.

One witness, Wilma Sutherland, 41, told The Independent: “I asked my son who’s 15 if he had heard anything and he told me that a young guy had taken part in the ice bucket challenge and then jumped in the quarry and didn’t come up.

“It’s a popular spot for swimming and I’ve seen lots of teenagers jumping in."

READ: INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES ON DEALING WITH GRIEF

Many have taken to Twitter to post tributes to the boy, with one writing: "Tragic to hear a boy died at inverkeithing quarry today. Apparently was trying to do the ice bucket challenge. Thoughts are with his family."

Another added: "Crazy about that lad from Inverkeithing, thoughts go out to his family and pals alike."

Via Sky News
Via Sky News

Meanwhile Cameron Lancaster's family released a moving statement via Police Scotland, which read: “His death is such a great loss.

“During his short life, he touched so many people with his friendliness, kindness and thoughtful generosity of spirit. He will be hugely missed by his family and friends.”

A police spokesman said: “Inquiries are under way to establish the full circumstances of what happened and Police Scotland’s thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time.”

SEE: WAYNE ROONEY ACCIDENTALLY HITS WIFE COLEEN ON THE HEAD DURING ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has seen Facebook and Twitter flooded with hundreds of internet videos of people being doused in cold water, all in a bid to raise awareness and money for the fight against motor neurone disease.

Dan Osborne, Katie Hopkins and Victoria Beckham are amongst those who have taken part, with the videos raising at least £250,000 for the UK Motor Neurone Disease Association.

However many have criticised the trend, with many saying that the people involved in the challenge are using it to 'show off' rather than raise money for charity.

Others, like Pamela Anderson, have slammed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge because it is raising money for a charity which condones animal testing.

You should also read: Co-founder of the ice-bucket challenge dies from drowning

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