Suicide Prevention: Rina Palenkova Case

Chloe Peterson

7th hour // Journaling

October 17, 2023

                                                        Rina Palenkova Case

   On November 23, 2017, a young 17 year old Russian girl by the name of Rina Palenkova tragically committed suicide by resting her head on the railroad track and was found decapitated there in Ussuriysk South Eastern Russia. On November 22, just the day before, she had posted this photo on her Instagram account with the caption, “Nya bye”

This photo startled the internet. With her account rising in popularity, people have found her on other platforms. Seeing her on a certain topic is what really scared society. The blue whale challenge. The blue whale challenge is a challenge involving self harm on different levels and stages until the player can only win by committing suicide. This challenge was believed to be a big cause of her death.    

   Her death also inspired other teens struggling with mental health issues to do the challenge. Since then, the suicide rate has increased by a drastic measure. Most of them are teens. Drawings and other things of Rina were found by the deceased teens who suffered from mental illnesses when investigated by police or family members.

      According to the police and detectives, she was on the 51st step of the challenge, ‘Lay your head on the railroad track’. So she did. After further investigation, they found out that Rina had previously broken up with her boyfriend after an argument. They had thought that maybe Rina was relying on her boyfriend to save her from the train. But unfortunately, it was too late. 

When cleaning up the crime scene, her phone was found on camera mode. A video was found with her laying her head on the train tracks, when the train came. The wind blew the phone out from her hand, capturing nothing but dirt and the blood curdling scream she had made. The video was leaked and went viral on twitter. Her death was a very popular topic on the app. Photos and videos were seen by multiple people around the world. 

Another thing that was talked about is her school life and what happened there. Many people say she was picked on an awful lot. It was actually proven that Rina did not have very many friends other than her lover and another female whose name is unclear. Although when people were interviewed, she was described as a bright and cheery carefree girl. Rina talked to her doctor about her bullying situation. 

This is a very serious topic. Many people die every day because of suicide. I know it's hard, it's lonely and feels like you’re never gonna escape it. But I promise you are loved and safe. If you are feeling any sort of thought of ending your life, please call 988.