CNN’s Donie wheely angry at ‘Kia challenge’
IRISH CNN reporter Donie O’Sullivan had his rental car stolen in the US as part of what police believe to be a social media challenge linked to a sharp increase in car thefts.
O’Sullivan said on Sunday that his hired vehicle had been stolen the night before while he was visiting St Louis, Missouri.
When the Kerry native contacted police, he was told that he was most likely a victim of the viral “Kia Challenge”, a TikTok trend which has been linked to spikes in cases of stolen Kia and Hyundai cars.
O’Sullivan tweeted: “So my rental car was stolen last night in St.Louis ...
“Cop asks what kind of car it was... I say a Kia. He nods his head and says something like, ‘oh yeah, you got hit by the Kia Boyz...’
“Cops are saying it’s an online challenge... but...”
In a follow-up post, O’Sullivan wrote: “The cop I dealt with said the tactics for stealing Kia’s are spreading online and that some people have been posting videos of stolen cars for the likes.
Tactic
“The important lesson here: don’t drive Kia. (I did not choose the car).”
The viral “Kia Challenge” emerged in early July after a content creator posted a video detailing the steps of how to steal an unlocked car using only a USB charging cord. The tactic takes advantage
A HOLIDAYMAKER who died after he fell 20m into a stream near Ireland’s largest waterfall is believed to have become disorientated while out walking.
The man, in his 60s, who is understood to have been from the Galway area, was walking along the scenic mountain trail at the Devil’s Chimney, near Glencar on the Sligo/Leitrim border on Monday evening.
He suffered a fall and a major search and rescue operation was launched after he was reported missing at around 7pm.
It is understood this is the first tragedy of its kind at the popular mountain trail which is a 130m high ascent.
Sligo Leitrim Mountain
Rescue (SLMR) located his body about 500m from the mountain trail after a 40 minute search.
It is understood he slipped and fell around 20m into a stream after becoming disorientated.
Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Michael Clarke told The Star: “I’d like to offer my deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased man.
“It’s an awful tragedy and so sad that he was apparently on his holidays in the area.
“The area is not associated with tragedy and of a vulnerability which allows the ignition to be bypassed in some Kia and Hyundai models.
The video has since been linked to an increase in car thefts and robberies around the US, with other users copying the first video to test the theory out for themselves.
The videos show car thieves targeting unlocked Kia and Hyundai vehicles, removing the under-column near the steering wheel, and using a USB cord to start the stolen cars.
Some videos show the thieves - called “Kia Boys” - riding around in the stolen cars and crashing or dumping them.
In Milwaukee, where the trend appears to have emerged, Hyundai and
Kia account for 66 per cent of car thefts.
The Irish Coastguard helicopter, Rescue 118, also attended the scene and paramedics performed CPR on the casualty.
Coroner
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was taken to Sligo University Hospital and a coroner will decide the cause of death.
Several people took to social media to offer their condolences to the family.”
One person wrote: “RIP. Sincere sympathy to his family. An unexpected tragedy.
“Well done to paramedics and all who helped at the scene of the accident.”
Another wrote: “Thoughts are with his family. Awful tragedy.”