Viral 'duct tape challenge' nearly kills Washington teen

“If he would have hit on it differently, an inch over, he could have died,” Sarah Fish told KIRO News in Washington about her son.

Skyler Fish, 14, required emergency surgery after falling and hitting his head and eye on a metal window frame then slamming into the concrete floor. The accident occurred on Jan. 16. He was trying to break free from duct tape, in what YouTubers are calling the "Duct Tape Challenge."

The dare involves binding another person with duct tape and timing them to see how long it takes to break free. Videos of people (many of them teens) participating in the challenge are becoming popular on social media, particularly under the hashtag #DuctTapeChallenge.

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But without use of one's limbs, the risk of falling over while bound is high. Skyler Fish's accident caused a brain aneurysm, and the nerves to his eye were pinched, leaving him with possible permanent damage and blindness.

Fish's injuries were so bad the Renton Police opened an investigation under suspicion of foul play, but plan to close as it became clear this was a serious accident.

Image: Facebook Siemny Kim Photo from Siemny Kim Facebook

Mother Sarah Fish took to media to warn other parents and teens about these and other dangerous activities they may think about participating in after seeing them online: "They're not thinking, 'Oh what if I fall and hit my head?'"

"I'm just, actually, really lucky to be alive," Skylar said. "When I think about it, it seems like I was hit by a car."

Sarah set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the medical costs of the teen's surgeries.