An inquest into the tragic death of a young girl from Hertfordshire will be focusing on the popular social media platform TikTok, according to the area coroner for Hertfordshire, Jacques Howell. Maia Walsh, 13, who posted a concerning message on the app before her untimely passing, was found dead at her home in Hertford on October 6, 2022. During a pre-inquest review, the coroner indicated plans to request data from Maia’s multiple TikTok accounts through Ofcom.
Maia’s family lawyer, Jessica Elliott, revealed that the teenager had expressed doubts about living past the age of 14 on her TikTok account. While it remains unclear if Maia used other social media platforms, TikTok reportedly consumed a significant portion of her time. The coroner emphasized the importance of focusing the inquiry on the TikTok platform, including examining her online activities, interactions, and account changes.
In addition to investigating Maia’s online presence, Hertfordshire Police disclosed that they had conducted thorough examinations of her phone and iPad. Statements from her school regarding social media policies will also be considered in the inquest. Maia’s father, Liam Walsh, took legal action against TikTok and its parent company ByteDance in the US to access his daughter’s data, joining other bereaved families seeking answers about the deaths of their children. The case revolves around the children’s involvement in a dangerous “blackout challenge,” where participants hold their breath until losing consciousness due to oxygen deprivation.
No specific date for the inquest has been scheduled yet, but the coroner assured Mr. Walsh that efforts would be made to expedite the process. The quest for information and closure following these tragic losses remains a key focus for the families involved
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