Two teenagers in Pennsylvania face criminal charges after participating in a TikTok 'surfing' challenge, which resulted in one death and severe injuries to another, authorities said.
The incidents occurred separately in Bethlehem Township, about 73 miles north of Philadelphia. The challenge involves individuals tying themselves or objects to cars and being dragged at high speeds.
On March 18, Eniya Serina Alvarado, 19, was driving at 35mph with a 20-year-old friend standing on the trunk and rear windshield. The friend fell, hitting her head on the pavement, and was later found in the back of the car. She suffered catastrophic head injuries with permanent effects, according to Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta.
Alvarado faces charges including aggravated assault, aggravated assault by vehicle, careless driving, and persons hanging on a car.
In a second incident on June 1, a 17-year-old boy was being pulled on an upside-down table when the driver, also 17, allegedly sped up, causing the rider to be thrown into a parked vehicle, resulting in his death. The driver faces involuntary manslaughter charges in juvenile court.
Baratta warned that such challenges have severe real-world consequences, and he hopes the cases highlight the moral obligation of social media companies to stop glorifying dangerous stunts.
