Young man ends up in intensive care after drinking a bottle of rum in one gulp
Young homeless man in Tolima now fights for his life after drinking a bottle of rum in one gulp for money
A case that has generated outrage occurred in the department of Tolima, where a young man ended up fighting for his life in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after accepting a dangerous challenge: to drink an entire bottle of rum in one gulp in exchange for money.
According to reports, the incident took place in the municipality of Purificación, where the young man—identified as a homeless person—was allegedly encouraged by others to take on the challenge for a sum close to 50,000 pesos (approximately $13 USD). After completing the “challenge,” his health deteriorated rapidly due to severe alcohol poisoning.
Witnesses say that after drinking the liquor, the young man began to experience critical symptoms, requiring his urgent transfer to a medical center, where he remains under observation in serious condition.
Outrage: “They pushed him into it”
Beyond the act itself, what has generated the most outrage is the context. Preliminary reports indicate that several people allegedly encouraged the young man—taking advantage of his vulnerable situation—to accept the challenge, which has been described on social media as a cruel and heartless act.
It wasn't a simple bet. For many, it was a situation where a homeless person was deliberately exposed to extreme risk for entertainment or money.
A dangerous pattern that has already claimed lives
This case brings back recent memories that ended in tragedy. One of the most shocking was that of María José Ardila in Cali, where a similar challenge involving excessive alcohol consumption ended with the young woman's death, sparking a national debate about the limits of entertainment and social pressure.
Both cases reveal an alarming pattern: extreme challenges promoted by third parties that end up putting the lives of those who participate at risk, often motivated by money or social acceptance.