A sinister messaging game appears to have claimed the lives of a 16-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl who were each found dead of an apparent suicide, about 48 hours apart.

Citing local news sources in Columbia, the Daily Mail reports that the two children, who reportedly knew each other, are believed to have taken their own lives after playing the “Momo” game, a dangerous online ‘challenge’ that players access through the WhatsApp internet messaging service.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Momo is a social media account that originated in Japan and has since become popular in Central and South America. It features an avatar of a ghoulish-looking female with large eyes, and reportedly issues ‘challenges’ to players, accompanied by threats of being cursed if the assignments aren’t completed.

The challenges reportedly escalate to a final demand that a player commit suicide.

Earlier this summer, a 12-year-old girl was found dead of an apparent suicide in Argentina, and her death is believed to be connected to the game.

The most recent victims, who both died in Santander, Columbia, have not been identified, but are believed to have known each other.

According to the Daily Mail report, the 16-year-old boy passed the game along to the 12-year-old girl, who was reportedly found hanging from a wardrobe in her home.

Police found evidence that both of the children had been playing the game on their phones.

Authorities in Columbia are now reportedly working with area schools to help raise awareness about the dangers of the Momo game.