Latest fad of jumping into cold water on camera is turning from philanthropy to tragedy in Minnesota.
A 16-year-old boy from Minnesota has died after taking part in the "Cold Water Challenge." Officials say Davis Colley went for a swim at Eagle Lake, Baylor Park on the night of May 9 when he drowned. According to his friends, Colley texted his girlfriend before jumping into the lake. They did not know why he jumped or why he did it alone. The victim's body was found by the authorities around 11:00 P.M. after they received a call for help about a teen who went under the water and never came back.
"Cold Water Challenge" started in April as a fundraising project for a baby who had cancer until it evolved and spread. Some challenged people to pay $100 if they do not jump within one to two days while some people still took the plunge and donated to charity anyway. Some made straightforward challenges with no money or charity involved.
The challenge was fueled by video dares going around social media websites including Facebook and YouTube. It gained traction in April and made public safety officials concerned. Authorities say it is a dangerous trend especially that more people are accepting the perilous challenge of jumping into icy water by the day. The lakes are too dangerous and icy for swimming.
The trend was in the headlines in Wisconsin after a 16-year-old tear up her knee on a bunch of zebra mussel shells two weeks ago. After one week, another teenager from Wisconsin was saved by firefighters when she plunged into a cold river and had a hard time returning to land because the sea wall was too high.
"It just shows you how fragile human life is. That you gotta be careful," said Colley's pal, Steven Smith. "When you're swimming you should always use the buddy system," Minnesota resident Mike Bokenewicz said.
Colley was part of Norwood Young America's Central High School wrestling team. He left his parents Wayne and Shannon Colley-Davis and siblings Kava Colley-Davis and Ivan Davis. A fundraising is ongoing for his family. If you wish to donate, you can send a check to Colley Family Fund (Attention: Michelle), Citizens State Bank, P.O. Box 789, Norwood Young America, 55368.
