Russian man reportedly dies after drinking 1.5 litres of vodka on a live stream

In a disturbing bit of news, a 60-year-old man reportedly died in Russia after consuming as much as 1.5 litres of vodka on a live stream. The local media outlets reported that a man who participated in the online trend of 'Thrash streaming' was found dead on Thursday.

The International Business Times referred to the Russian news reports and reported that authorities were conducting the autopsy to ascertain the death of the man identified as Yuri Dushechkin. Nicknamed 'Grandpa', Dushechkin died in Smolensk, Russia.

It is reported that 'Grandpa' participated in a trend which has become popular among Russian streamers. 'Thrash streaming' has become a way for people to make money by participating in dangerous things, which may even cause harm to others, and showing it on a live stream. 

A Russian outlet by the name of Lenta reported that the viewers of Dushechkin's live stream gave him money to keep on drinking vodka. He eventually could be seen on the ground as the stream continued. It was later found that he had died.

It is to be noted that the streaming was carried out by another man on his YouTube Channel called 'First Step on YouTube' in English. The man who goes by the name of Zheka has more than 25,000 subscribers and posts other such videos as well. Russian outlet Readovka suggested that other videos of the channel included offering money to homeless people to participate in activities including drinking vodka and hot sauce on a live stream.

The major concern is about this growing trend among live streamers in Russia, which can lead to serious harm or even loss of life as in this case.

What is 'Thrash streaming'?

'Thrash streaming' also referred to as 'Trash streaming' has become really popular in Russia, according to Russia Beyond. It showcases people doing strange things as the video is streamed live.

In one such incident, a woman died after she was left outside in the cold in just her underwear by her streamer boyfriend. Such channels were taken down by YouTube for their graphic content.

Most live streamers now use such services as Twitch to stream their content and upload them on YouTube later. Russia Beyond reported that some of these live streamers have gained thousands of followers, while others were blocked for violation of guidelines.