Additional Coverage:
- Boy, 14, dies after injecting himself with dead butterfly for ‘social media challenge’ (themirror.com)
Tragedy struck in Planalto, Bahia, Brazil, where a 14-year-old boy died after injecting himself with a liquid made from a dead butterfly. Young Davi Nunes Moreira was rushed to a local hospital after experiencing vomiting and difficulty walking.
He reportedly told doctors he had dissolved a butterfly in water and injected the mixture into his leg. His condition deteriorated quickly, and he was transferred to a larger hospital in Vitoria da Conquista. Sadly, he passed away last Wednesday.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Davi’s death. There is speculation that he may have been influenced by a dangerous online challenge, although Davi reportedly denied this.
Police are awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death, including the possibility of septic shock induced by toxins from the butterfly. The species of butterfly remains unknown. The investigation is being led by the Civil Police in Vitoria da Conquista.
A police spokesperson confirmed that the autopsy will be crucial in understanding what happened. The investigation aims to provide clarity on the events leading to this tragic loss.
Davi’s father reportedly found the syringe used by his son hidden under a pillow while cleaning the house. Butterfly expert Professor Marcelo Duarte, director of Sao Paulo University’s Zoology Museum, noted that the toxicity of butterfly fluids to humans is not well-studied.
He explained that some butterflies, like the Monarch, retain toxins from their larval diet. These toxins generally deter predators but are not typically considered a serious threat to humans.
The incident has sparked concern about the influence of online trends. Social media users expressed their grief and urged for greater awareness about the potential dangers of online challenges. Some suggested investigating Davi’s social media activity to understand if online content played a role in his death.