Bizarre internet craze 'planking' claims its first victim after man plunges from balcony to his death



An Australian man has plunged to his death after taking part in a new internet craze known as 'planking'.

Acton Beale, 20, fell from the balcony of a block of flats in Brisbane, Queensland, after he tried to 'plank' on some railings.

This is thought to be the first time someone has actually died from the growing craze in which people lie face down in an unusual place before taking pictures and uploading them onto the internet.

Acton Beale died after he tried to 'plank' on a balcony in Brisbane, Australia

It is thought that Mr Beale was on his way home after a night out with friends when he decided to try the high-risk move.

Deputy Police Commissioner Ross Barnett confirmed reports that he 'may have fallen while attempting a planking episode'.

Officers were told by witnesses that Mr Beale had been preparing to lie on a balcony rail when he fell to his death. 'He has tragically lost his footing and fallen to the ground below,' said Mr Barnett.

The incident, in Brisbane, Australia, follows the arrest of a 20-year-old man who was found planking on the roof of a police car, also in Queensland.

Risky: Participants taking part in the craze lie face down in a tree

Fun: The craze is seen as harmless by some but police in Australia are getting increasingly concerned as people become more competitive

Furious officers arrested the man and issued a warning that the craze could cause serious injury or harm as people taking part became more and more competitive.

Participants have been photographed lying on railway lines, in the middle of the road, on walls, in trees and in hotel foyers.



'In some circumstances planking can be fairly harmless, but as people become more competitive and try more obscure and difficult episodes of planking - which inevitably lead to greater levels of risk - then we remain concerned that this is the sort of thing that will eventuate and no-one wants to see that,' said Mr Barnett.

Police in Australia have warned that people caught planking on private property will be charged with trespassing or a more serious charge of unauthorised high-risk activity.

Game on: Planking during a game of golf

Warning: Officers in Brisbane, Australia, have said the craze could become more dangerous as people become increasingly competitive



