Dec 12, 2023
When Pranks, Plants, and Punk Pay the Price: A Triple Feature of Darwin Award Runners-Up
Ah, the internet—the digital Wild West where you can be whoever you want, do whatever you want, and face absolutely no consequences whatsoever! Except when you do, and it's spectacularly painful, embarrassing, or fatal. Let’s take a moment to chuckle darkly at three individuals who learned the hard way that the universe loves irony almost as much as we do.
Remember that old saying, “It’s all fun and games until someone gets shot in the gut”? No? Well, Tanner Cook sure does. This up-and-coming YouTube prankster decided to turn a public space into his personal playground, underestimating just how much people hate being harassed for views. Turns out, one of his pranks finally caught up with him—literally. The poor schmuck ended up with a lead souvenir in his abdomen, courtesy of someone who apparently didn’t appreciate the punchline. Who would’ve guessed that people don’t enjoy being the butt of some kid’s viral joke?
To his credit, Tanner survived to tell the tale (and, undoubtedly, milk it for all it’s worth on social media). But let’s be honest: this dude learned the hard way that you can only push people so far before they push back—sometimes with bullets.
Ah, veganism. For some, it’s a way of life, a moral compass that guides their every meal. For Zhana Samsonova, it was a one-way ticket to the grave. Zhana, a Russian influencer known for her strict raw vegan diet, preached the gospel of plant-based living like she was auditioning for a role as Mother Nature’s right-hand woman. Sadly, it turns out you can’t survive on vibes and leafy greens alone.
Her Instagram was a showcase of emaciated glory—think the crypt keeper, but make it fashion. Friends and followers watched as she withered away, all the while posting about how amazing she felt. Spoiler alert: she wasn’t amazing. Zhana’s death was ruled as a result of malnutrition, proving that sometimes, the food pyramid isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a survival guide.
Last but certainly not least, we have Mizzy, the punk from across the pond who finally learned that not all rules were made to be broken. This British bad boy built his brand on being an absolute menace, with a rap sheet of petty crimes and public nuisances that would make any mom clutch her pearls. He thought he was untouchable, flipping the bird at authority and laughing in the face of consequences—until the law finally decided it had enough.
Mizzy’s downfall came swiftly, and with it, the sweet, sweet justice of watching someone who thought he was above it all realize that jail cells aren’t as glamorous as they seem. Now, this lad has plenty of time to think about his life choices, one cup of prison chow at a time.
And there you have it, folks—three shining examples of what happens when the internet fame game goes horribly wrong. Whether it’s a prank gone awry, a diet taken to deadly extremes, or a punk finally getting punked by the justice system, these stories serve as a reminder that maybe, just maybe, it’s time to log off and rethink our life choices. But then again, where would the fun be in that?