“End with a bang,” brand says
PORTLAND, OR – A shocking livestream that captured an influencer’s final moments has rocked social media and sparked outrage over what many are calling an irresponsible and unethical sponsored content deal.
Zayden Roberts, 24, was one of the most popular extreme sports creators on AdrenaLoop, an app known for broadcasting high-risk stunts and death-defying challenges. His final livestream showed him attempting to BASE jump from the top of Portland’s Fremont Bridge while chugging a can of Rockstar energy drink.
“Zayden made a huge mistake that cost him his life, all for the sake of making a few bucks off that Rockstar sponsorship deal,” said Mara Caspian, a social media consultant. “It’s a sad commentary on the corrosive influence of viral fame-seeking and the willingness of brands to exploit it for profit.”
According to eyewitnesses, Roberts donned a neon green wingsuit bearing the Rockstar logo and spent several minutes enthusiastically pitching the energy drink’s benefits before launching himself off the bridge. Tragically, his parachute failed to deploy properly, sending him plummeting over 300 feet into the Willamette River below.
“I’ll never forget the sickening thud when he hit the water,” said Chet Wilkins, a homeless man who witnessed the tragedy from the riverbank. “His body just crumpled like a rag doll. It was one of the most horrific things I’ve ever seen.”
While the Rockstar brand has faced intense backlash online, a company spokesperson doubled down on the partnership in a statement, saying, “Zayden’s tragic final jump perfectly encapsulated the Rockstar lifestyle – living on the edge and going out with a bang that’s sure to get people buzzing. Our brand will be forever honored by his uncompromising commitment to achieving viral fame at any cost.”
The spokesperson’s comments have only further fueled public outrage, with many accusing Rockstar of exploiting a young man’s death for shock value and publicity. Oregon authorities have launched an investigation into potential criminal negligence charges against the energy drink company.
“Companies have a responsibility not to incentivize or glorify blatantly deadly behavior, especially when young, impressionable fans are involved,” said Dr. Lila Gorski, a psychologist specializing in social media addiction. “This horrific incident underscores the dire need for stronger regulations around influencer marketing and sponsored content deals.”
As the gruesome footage continues to spread across the internet, many are calling for AdrenaLoop and similar platforms to implement stricter safeguards against life-threatening stunts. Zayden Roberts’ controversial final moments have become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the dark side of internet fame and cavalier brand sponsorships.
The characters and events depicted in this story are entirely fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, or to actual events is unintentional and purely coincidental.
