The internet was set abuzz when YouTube sensation Jack Doherty, a 20-year-old star, found himself in a precarious and quite costly situation—primarily due to a lack of attention on the road. Streaming live from his high-end McLaren 570S, the young YouTuber was cruising down a rainy Miami highway on a morning that would soon take a dramatic turn.
In footage that quickly went viral, Doherty is seen taking his eyes off the road to check his phone—an all-too-common temptation that ended with his sports car skidding across highway lanes before violently meeting a metal barrier. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries, but the visual evidence of the accident was enough to capture the attention of thousands.
At the time of the unfortunate event, more than 185,000 intrigued viewers were witnessing the live feed on the streaming platform, Kick. The clip that captured Doherty gazing at his phone during heavy rain conditions was promptly taken down to comply with the platform’s strict community guidelines that emphasize the safety of both the streamer and the public.
Amidst the chaos, Doherty shared video clips on X, formerly known as Twitter, revealing the aftermath, with bystanders rushing to assist him by cracking open the driver’s window. Doherty’s reaction, emphasizing his distressed concern over his damaged car, questioned some viewers about his priorities, particularly since his companion, Michael, suffered an injury requiring medical attention.
Meanwhile, others were quick to criticize Doherty for what seemed to be a lack of genuine care for the wellbeing of his passenger. Fellow YouTubers didn’t hold back on their opinions, with some openly expressing disdain over Doherty’s priorities as the aftermath videos gained over 14 million views.
One notable comment came from streamer dakotaz, suggesting that the overwhelming chase for online fame often eclipses the simple human act of checking on a friend in need. Perhaps, it’s a reflection of the modern world’s struggles with balancing digital fame and interpersonal relationships.
This still don’t feel real pic.twitter.com/DV15cE1Aac
— Jack Doherty (@dohertyjackk) October 5, 2024
Prior to this incident, Doherty had already been in the online spotlight for stunt videos, such as a reckless golf cart flip with his girlfriend in the passenger seat. These actions have led many to question whether this latest mishap will urge him to reconsider his approach to creating content.
Amidst mounting pressure from the public eye and following the accident, Jack’s account was disabled by Kick, a decision in line with their policy against promoting illegal or dangerous activities. The young content creator remained tight-lipped amid calls for comment about the day’s events.
As discussions continue to swirl around this incident, it’s a poignant reminder of the significant responsibility that comes with broadcasting to a large audience, and the imperative to prioritize safety both on and off the screen.