8-year-old dies after being dared to drink hot water

Ki’ari Pope, an eight-year-old girl has died months after her cousin dared her to drink boiling water through a straw. According to Metro UK, Ki’ari Pope was taken to hospital with breathing difficulties on Monday July 31 and passed away the same day.

The girl, from Boynton Beach in Florida, had a tracheotomy following the March incident. Her mom said Pope and her cousin, who is the same age, had got the idea from a YouTube video. On a GoFundMe page, she explained the procedure meant she was unable to talk. She added: ‘She leaves behind a young devoted mother, father, sisters, and brothers.

Due to the fact Ki’ari had a tracheotomy the insurance refuses to pay for funeral arrangements. We need help assisting with Ki’ari’s funeral and burial arrangements. Anything will be greatly appreciated.’ Authorities had previously investigated this incident and a number of others following allegations of neglect, reports the Palm Beach Post.

Department Secretary Mike Carroll said in a statement: ‘The loss of this child is truly devastating and our condolences go out to all those who loved her.

‘We have opened a child death investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding her death and will deploy a Critical Incident Rapid Response Team to review all interactions this family has had with Florida’s child welfare system. ‘We will also continue to work closely with law enforcement to support their continued efforts.’