Dark end to a dance with danger
Megan Scraper was standing at the edge of the scenic but treacherous Shannon Falls when she slipped into a swift-moving current, authorities in British Columbia said.
Her companions, Ryker Gamble and Alexey Lyakh, jumped in to save her. Moments later, all three were sucked beneath the water’s surface, then plummeted over a 30m waterfall.
Their deaths on July 3 are a tragedy, but one that has been shrouded in controversy, because the three were associated with High on Life. Members of the group travel to exotic locales and, at times, vault guardrails and ignore warning signs as they dive from cliffs and swing through canyons — with cameras recording.
High on Life’s Instagram page has more than 1.1 million followers. And its YouTube channel includes videos that make no secret of the dangers members court.
But the most recent video was sombre. A speaker said: “They lived every single day to its fullest.” The video encouraged High on Life’s following to contribute to a GoFundMe that would “align with the values and aspirations of Ryker, Alexey and Megan — empowering others to pursue their passions and dreams, and to live life to the fullest.”
Debate raged. Some said they had been inspired by Gamble and others, and tried to heed the message of leading a life of adventure. Others said the exploits were pointless and dangerous vanity, putting young lives at risk for bragging rights and YouTube views. Surely, critics argued, a person can live an inspired life and avoid mortal danger at the same time. “Positivity and stepping out of your comfort zone means knowing not only you are risking your life but also you are throwing it away for followers ???? ” one person asked. “I am sorry but it doesnt reasonate [sic] with someone who wants to live their lives at their fullest.”
“Why . . . are y’all asking for money? ‘empowering others to pursue their passions and dreams, and to live life to the fullest’ just means giving people like you money to travel irresponsibly right?” one commenter said.