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'Alcohol involved in planking death'

The 20-year-old who plunged seven storeys to his death while planking in Brisbane had been drinking alcohol, police say.

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Source: AAP


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Acton Beale, 20, fell from an inner-city apartment block in Kangaroo Point's Main Street and died at the scene shortly before 4.30am (AEST) on Sunday.

Police said on Monday morning the death confirmed their fears the internet craze would lead young males to take risks without realising the possible consequences.

Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett told the ABC Mr Beale's companion had confirmed the 20-year-old had been drinking before the fatal incident.

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"We don't have any problem with planking itself," Mr Barnett said.

"If you want to take a photograph of yourself planking on a park bench two foot off the ground, there are no risks to your health with that, but when you start doing it seven storeys up or lying across a railway line or in a range of other places that invite death or serious injury, that's what we have a concern about."

Mr Barnett said it is police who have to deal with the aftermath and advise relatives of deaths.

"Ultimately, is it worth life in a wheelchair to take a funny photo to impress somebody you don't know on the internet?" Mr Barnett said.

He said police had no regrets after they publicised the craze on May 11 in a statement detailing that a man was charged for planking.

A 20-year-old Gladstone man was issued with a notice to appear when he was allegedly found planking on a police vehicle.

Police warned of the danger in the same statement to media.

"Gladstone police are concerned the risks some people are taking could result in injury and criminal charges," Sergeant Matthew Russell from Gladstone Police said last Wednesday.

PM SAYS PLANKING DEATH 'TRAGIC'

Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the tragic death of a young man planking should serve as a warning to anyone attempting the internet craze.

Ms Gillard described the incident as "really tragic".

"There's a difference between a harmless bit of fun done somewhere that's really safe and taking a risk with your life," she told reporters in Sydney.

"Everybody likes a bit of fun, but focus has to be on keeping yourself safe first."


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