A tragic incident occurred when a content creator, known only by his surname Sun, died after live-streaming himself eating poisonous centipedes and geckos. The 35-year-old man was streaming on DouYu, one of China’s largest live-streaming platforms, on July 18, 2019. During the live stream, Sun used a wheel to determine what he would consume, which included items not meant to be eaten, such as poisonous centipedes, geckos, and mealworms, alongside less harmful items like vinegar, eggs, and beer.
Authorities found Sun unconscious in his home in Hefei, Anhui Province, two days after the live stream. His girlfriend, concerned about his well-being, had gone to check on him and alerted the authorities. When they arrived, they found him unresponsive, with his computer still in live-stream mode and the various food items he had used in his sessions on the desk. Despite having a following of 15,000 people on DouYu, his videos have since been removed from the platform.
The type of geckos and centipedes consumed by Sun was not specified by officials, but it is clear that eating any type of these creatures is extremely dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that reptiles, such as geckos, can carry salmonella, advising people to take precautions when handling them. They recommend washing hands after contact with these animals and keeping them away from food preparation areas to avoid illness.
In their investigations, law enforcement ruled out foul play in Sun’s death but continued to investigate the exact cause. The incident highlights the risks associated with extreme online challenges and the pressures faced by influencers to create shocking content. The CDC’s warnings emphasize the importance of safety and health precautions when dealing with animals that can transmit diseases.
Sun’s death serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers of engaging in hazardous activities for online fame. As authorities and platforms strive to prevent similar tragedies, this case underscores the need for greater awareness and caution in the pursuit of social media popularity.
