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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Sibel Abdiu

Girl, 14, jumps off cliff amid fears she was in 'Blue Whale Challenge suicide pact'

A 14-year-old girl who jumped off a cliff to her death is feared to have played the online game known as the 'Blue Whale Challenge'.

It has been reported that the teenager was part of a pact with four other girls who all pulled out at the last second.

The alleged pact took place at the Toprakkale fortress near the city of Van in the eastern Turkish province of the same name.

Police are investigating the death and officials have linked the game to the so-called Blue Whale Challenge.

The so-called Blue Whale Challenge dates back to 2016 where players are expected to complete a series of tasks over a 50-day period before self-harming is introduced, leading ultimately to suicide.

Sevda Erkacmaz, the 14-year-old who died when she fell from a cliff (AsiaWire)
The rocky cliff where the 14-year-old committed suicide (AsiaWire)

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However, there have been doubts if the 'game' is genuine with few confirmed reports.

The girls went to the rocky cliff near the fortress and 14-year-old Sevda Erkacmaz jumped to her death, according to local media.

Meanwhile, the other four girls, aged between 14 and 15, decided against jumping at the last moment.

Police launched an investigation and learned that the victim had drawn a heart on one hand and the date of her suicide on the other.

Meanwhile, social services have reportedly taken three of the victim's friends away from their families and placed them into care after learning of their alleged involvement in the incident.

Sevda's elder brother Haluk Erkacmaz is reported in local media as saying that he believes she was a victim of the Blue Whale Challenge.

Haluk Erkacmaz, victim Sevda Erkacmaz's elder brother (AsiaWire)
The heart and the date of the suicide spotted on the hand of the victim (AsiaWire)

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He added: "My sister never acted strange at home at all, and her teachers always said that she was a bright student.

"When I found out that she went to the rocky cliff, I just could not believe it. I still cannot believe it."

Social services director Abdurrahman Cohaz confirmed that the police investigation is underway and the eyewitnesses all gave a statement.

He added: "The case has been handed over to the public prosecutor's office. Upon their decision, three of the four girls have been brought into care."

Cohaz also said that the alleged suicide pact between the girls was because of the Blue Whale Challenge.

He said: "Parent should educate their children properly and keep them away from restricted websites in order to prevent such upsetting cases."

I f you need to speak to someone, Samaritans are available 24/7 by calling 116 123 or by  emailingjo@samaritans.org

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