Jonny Byrne's family appeal after 'drinking game' death

BBC News

The family of a teenager whose body was found in a river in the Republic of Ireland has appealed to people not to take part in an internet drinking game.

Jonny Byrne, who was 19 and from County Carlow, died in the River Barrow.

His family have linked his death to the internet game known as 'NekNomination', in which people are encouraged to drink alcohol before posting a video online.

Politicians on both sides of the Irish border have also issued public warnings about the online game.

'Devastated'

The teenager entered the River Barrow on Saturday night and after hours of searching, his body was recovered shortly after 11:00 GMT on Sunday.

The teenager's father, Joe Byrne, told RTÉ: "I'm pleading to every youngster to think of the things they're doing.

"It has cost my son his life. The whole family is devastated and our lives will never be the same again.

"I hope this message is heeded because for us, life is virtually over," Mr Byrne said.

The police, Waterford Coastguard, civil defence officers and local search and rescue teams were involved in the search.

The Irish Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald has said she is very concerned about the danger the game poses to young people.

She told the Irish state broadcaster, RTÉ, that she believes the game is a lethal combination of peer pressure and excessive alcohol consumption.

In Northern Ireland, Alliance Youth tweeted: "With the growing popularity of 'neknomination' videos, we urge all young adults to be responsible and safe when drinking alcohol."

It is believed that NekNomination began in Australia, and has spread to the UK and Ireland.