KIDS are being "tricked" into watching Ronnie Mcnu*tt's suicide video on social media, prompting warnings for parents to be vigilant about what their children are viewing online.
The shocking footage of Mcnu*tt's suicide went viral - sparking fury against social media giants for failing to quickly stop the clip's circulation.
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TikTok and Facebook are now scrambling to remove the clip, however, it's been appearing on people's feeds for more than a week.
It's been reported that the footage has been uploaded with the caption "Look at the pasta I cooked tonight" – meaning users have no idea what they're about to view.
After reports that the video is appearing on TikTok's "For You" trending homepage, the social media giant said it's banning users who re-upload the clip.
Those who have seen the shocking video have urged other TikTok users not to click on a thumbnail of a bearded man with glasses speaking to someone on a phone, the Daily Starreports.
And Mr Mcnu*tt's friend Josh Steen said social media giants haven't done enough to get rid of the footage.
He toldHeavy.com: "Facebook could've stopped this and didn't" – adding that Facebook is "directly responsible" for the video being shared.
One Twitter user said: "If you see this guy on your For You page, please scroll up immediately.
How to report the shocking video
TikTok provides clear instructions on how to report upsetting videos that may breach their rules and regulations.
If you find a distressing clip, open the video and press the share button, tap report and follow the online instructions.
Both accounts and comments can be reported using a similar method.
There are also reports that the video is still cropping up on Facebook and Instagram.
On Facebook, you can report a photo or video that you believe violates its Community Standards by clicking or tapping on the post to expand it.
Hover over the photo or video and hit Options in the bottom right corner.
Click Find Support or Report Photo for photos or Find support or report video for videos.
Select the option that best describes the issue and follow the on-screen instructions.
On Instagram, tap the three dots above the photo or video post, tap report, and then select why you've chosen to report the post.
"It's very gruesome and I highly suggest you stay away from TikTok for a while."
Another said they'd been left "shaking" after watching the "very terrifying and gory" video.
A TikTok spokesperson said: "On Sunday night, clips of a suicide that had been livestreamed on Facebook circulated on other platforms, including TikTok.
"Our systems have been automatically detecting and flagging these clips for violating our policies against content that displays, praises, glorifies, or promotes suicide.
"We are banning accounts that repeatedly try to upload clips, and we appreciate our community members who've reported content and warned others against watching, engaging, or sharing such videos on any platform out of respect for the person and their family.
"If anyone in our community is struggling with thoughts of suicide or concerned about someone who is, we encourage them to seek support, and we provide access to hotlines directly from our app and in our Safety Centre."
You're not alone
Here's where to go for support
On average, 123 people a day die by suicide in America.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is whyThe Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others...You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
Friends have spoken of their horror after Mcnu*tt's tragic death.
One said: “Please say a prayer right now for the family of Ronnie Mcnu*tt. He just killed himself live on Facebook and I cannot unsee this.
"I tried but apparently it wasn't quick enough to reach him. I wasn't quick enough. Dear God, I wish I could have got to him.”
Mcnu*tt, a former Army veteran who served in Iraq, died in Mississippi on August 31. He worked for Toyota in Blue Springs, New Albany.
There are unconfirmed reports that he had lost his job and broken up with his girlfriend before his suicide.
He was a member of Celebration Church Tupelo, which confirmed his death in a post on its Facebook page on September 1.
"In the midst of a sudden tragedy that occurred last night, we grieve with the Mcnu*tt Family during this time because passing of our brother in Christ, Ronnie Mcnu*tt," church leaders said.
"Ronnie will be missed by all who loved and knew him.
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"He was very caring, committed, loyal, dependable, and eccentric. He served his church faithfully and was loved by many.
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"Although events surrounding his death were tragic, we take comfort in our Creator, believing that because of Ronnie's confession and conversion as a believer in Christ Jesus, he is currently before our loving Father."
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
