According to Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta, the teen was driving in the parking lot of Freedom High School in Bethlehem with an upside-down folding table tied to the back of his car. A 17-year-old friend, identified as Freedom High School junior David Nagy, was sitting on top of the table when he fell off and was killed.
Baratta also announced charges in a separate but similar case involving 19-year-old Eniya Alvarado. She is accused of recklessly driving her vehicle near William Penn Highway in March while her 20-year-old friend stood on the trunk as part of another social media stunt. The friend fell and suffered permanent head injuries.
Baratta said he called Tuesday's news conference to raise awareness among parents about the dangers of these online trends.
"Ultimately, it becomes a serious issue of public safety when children engage in these dangerous stunts," he said.
Parents in Bethlehem expressed concern over the influence of social media on teenagers.
"It's scary nowadays. You don't know who to trust," said Renita Ibarra.
"I'm happy to say my kids were not on TikTok or social media at all, and they have no desire to," said Victoria Vertel.
"I'd like to think he is smart enough to see what's going on and just be, like, you know, I say I would never do anything as crazy as that," said a parent identified only as Lauren.
Authorities are urging families to talk with their children about the risks of participating in viral challenges that can have life-altering or fatal consequences.
The table surfing suspect is being charged as a juvenile with involuntary manslaughter.
The female suspect from the other case is being charged as an adult with aggravated assault.