TikTok Trend Gone Horribly Wrong: Man Leaves Friend With Brain Damage

A man has been sentenced after a viral TikTok trend went tragically wrong, leaving his friend with severe brain damage.

According to recently unsealed court documents, 23‑year-old Connor Pace drove around a car park with a friend riding on the bonnet of his car, mimicking a dangerous online stunt. The passenger fell off and struck his head on the ground. He was left unconscious and later confirmed to have suffered a traumatic brain injury that required multiple surgeries.

The incident occurred on 17 January 2025 at Ravenside Retail Park, Bexhill, when Pace and a group of fellow car enthusiasts discussed trying the trend involving riding on a moving car's bonnet. Despite warnings about the risks, Pace went ahead—the result was catastrophic.

Legal Consequences: Sentence and Driving Ban

Pace admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Lewes Crown Court. He was handed a 16‑month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also banned from driving for two years, ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work, and will be electronically tagged nightly for eight weeks.

Detective Con David Symonds described the stunt as 'mindless and irresponsible,' warning that what began as a moment of foolish fun would change both men's lives forever.

'I am confident Pace did not intend to cause serious injury, but nevertheless, he should never have placed himself in this situation in the first place,' Symonds added.

The Broader Context: Dangerous Social Media Challenges

This case is not unique. Reports from across the United States and Europe suggest similar viral trends on TikTok continue to result in serious injury and even death.

In a separate 2025 case from Northampton County, Pennsylvania, prosecutors charged teens after two stunts—one involving a table tied to a car being dragged with a teenager on top, and another where a friend 'surfed' on the trunk of a moving vehicle that led to either death or permanent catastrophic head injuries.

Social‑media experts warn that these dangerous challenges, including 'car surfing,' 'table surfing' or the notorious 'blackout challenge,' are often incentivised by views and online attention, with many participants underestimating the real, physical risks involved.

Lifelong Consequences for Victim and Family

The victim in the Bexhill incident was unconscious for nearly a month. Medical reports confirm that he suffered a traumatic brain injury and required multiple surgeries. His condition remains serious, and it is unclear whether he will recover full cognitive or physical function.

His mother reportedly moved from Cornwall to Sussex to care for him, indicating the seriousness of his condition and the potential burden on family and health services.

Authorities Sound the Alarm

Authorities have emphasised the gravity of the case. Sussex Police, who investigated the Bexhill crash, reiterated the danger that social‑media‑inspired stunts pose to public safety. They urged young people to avoid risky behaviour motivated by viral trends, noting that many stunts violate traffic laws and can result in criminal charges if injury or death occurs.

Legal observers note that even though many of these challenges are not designed to harm, the level of negligence and recklessness associated with them can amount to criminal misconduct when they result in serious injury or loss of life.

What It Means for TikTok and Social Platforms

The case has reignited debate over the responsibility of social‑media platforms in policing dangerous content. The much‑criticised ByteDance—parent company of TikTok—has previously faced lawsuits over allegations of algorithmic promotion of content that encourages risky stunts. In a prior case, a wrongful‑death lawsuit was filed on behalf of families whose children allegedly died after participating in the so‑called 'blackout challenge.'

Critics argue platforms must do more than rely on community guidelines, pointing out that many dangerous videos are removed only after they have circulated widely. The Bexhill case adds to mounting evidence that viral popularity must not come at the cost of young people's lives or long‑term health.

Final Warning: Think Twice Before Chasing Viral Fame

The Bexhill tragedy stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless stunts. What starts as a misguided attempt at online fame or thrills can end in irreversible damage—physical, mental, and legal. For the victim's family, the road ahead may be long. For society, it's a call to re‑evaluate how we treat 'fun' when it involves real risk.

Social‑media users, especially younger ones, are urged to consider the human cost of these viral challenges. Before jumping on the latest trend, the question needs to be asked: is that TikTok clip really worth it?