Did anyone actually die at Project X Haren? Beyond Netflix’s Trainwreck

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Titled “Trainwreck: The Real Project X,” this Netflix release recounts the astonishing true tale of Merthe Marije Weusthuis, whose seemingly ordinary 16th birthday celebration invitation sparked riots and pandemonium in the tranquil Dutch town of Haren. However, did it also result in a tragic fatality?

In each installment of Netflix’s Trainwreck documentary series, a distinct high-profile scandal is scrutinized. The most recent group of episodes delves into topics ranging from the tragic Astroworld incident involving Travis Scott to the notorious Carnival Poop Cruise scandal.

Now, let’s shift our focus to Project X Haren, an event that originated from a Facebook invitation created by Merthe Weusthuis for her 16th birthday party on September 21, 2012. She chose ‘public’, not giving it much thought… Within just a few days, thousands of unknown individuals had responded to the invite.

Despite her removal of the invitation, it gained momentum beyond control, leaving local residents, city officials, and even the law enforcement powerless to prevent its unfolding. On that particular evening, an overwhelming crowd of thousands poured into the town, resulting in riots, looting, and widespread damage.

Did anyone die at Project X Haren?

As a gamer, I was initially shocked when news broke about two individuals losing their lives at the gaming event. But upon watching the Netflix documentary, it turns out those reports were untrue. Regrettably, however, over thirty people ended up getting hurt due to the ensuing chaos.

One of the individuals was Mariska Sloot, a council member from Haren, whose urgent appeals for Mayor Rob Bats to intervene fell on deaf ears. As evening approached around 8 pm during the incident, Sloot ventured towards the town center while walking her dog, curious about what was unfolding.

It wasn’t until she got there that she discovered around 5,000 individuals had gathered. As she drew nearer, she could hear shouts and chants echoing. “Suddenly, I felt a blow to the head,” she recalls, “and immediately I heard glass shattering.” She adds, “Someone threw a bottle at my head.

The gathering initially had a cordial ambiance, with police establishing a barrier on Merthe’s family’s street. However, as more people attended (and became increasingly intoxicated), the circumstances soon spiraled out of control, mirroring the events depicted in the movie Project X, which served as the inspiration for its title.

As law enforcement officers attempted to manage the large groups, their actions sparked a response – flaming projectiles (Molotov cocktails) were hurled, vehicles were torched, grocery stores were plundered, and the road was transformed into a path strewn with shattered glass.

Images depict attendees at the party with cuts on their heads and bodies. A significant number of these individuals were transported to hospitals due to their sustained injuries.

In the aftermath of these events, more than 100 individuals were apprehended by the police following their investigation of video footage, and a total of 17 were formally accused of offenses linked to the rioting.

Where is Merthe Weusthuis now?

In the latest documentary, Merthe provides her account of the incidents as they unfolded. After leaving the Netherlands, she now resides in Dubai. Currently, her professional role is as the Head of Product and Experience at Whiteshield, a company specializing in public policy and artificial intelligence economics.

1. She mentions, “I seldom go home these days,” or

2. She notes, “I’m not at home as often now.”

3. In a different context: “My house isn’t my regular spot these evenings.”

4. Alternatively, “I spend less time at my place these days.”

“It seems that the Dutch people haven’t forgotten the past events.” or simply, “They still remember what transpired.”

On the evening of the event, Merthe and her relatives were relocated to a different spot for their security, with one exception: her father, Coen, chose to remain behind, intending to monitor their neighbors.

In a tough spot, Merthe remembers not just fearing for her father’s wellbeing, but also that of the staff. A moment she thought two girls had perished left a deep impression on her.

Later on, fortunately, we learned no one had perished, as she expresses in Trainwreck: The Real Project X. However, I believe the emotional resonance has already taken its toll.

A few years following the occurrence, Merthe unexpectedly encountered Jorik Clarck, an 18-year-old from Groningen at that time who organized a similar event after she removed her initial invitation. Feeling remorseful about his involvement, Jorik was confronted by Merthe, who acknowledged the past incident had transpired.

Merthe expresses a perspective that is quite alike now, stating that she believes the majority of people attending the party did not plan to instigate a riot or commit an illegal act.

It seems many attended due to the desire for a festive occasion. At this stage of adolescence, it’s almost instinctual for teenagers to crave rebellion, assert their individuality, and enjoy their newfound freedoms.

“I definitely would have gone if it wasn’t my party.”

Was the identity of ‘Ibe DerFuhrer’ ever discovered?

In the end, the individual responsible for ‘Ibe DerFuhrer’ – the alias used on a Facebook account that launched a new Project X Haren event following the deletion of Merthe and Jorik’s original page – remained anonymous.

It’s clear from their name that their views lean towards fascism, as reported by HanzeMag, with their page allegedly sharing Nazi quotes and references. When Merthe contacted them about withdrawing the invitation, they responded rudely, saying something along the lines of “I don’t care.

Later on, at the age of 21, Jesse Hobson from Christchurch, New Zealand, confirmed that he agreed to the invitation from a Dutch individual to organize a Facebook event.

Later on, I admitted that Project X Haren was a regrettable choice on my end. I only got administrative rights for it on Facebook; everything else that unfolded felt like it happened spontaneously without my direct involvement.

In my opinion, its dissemination primarily occurred through word-of-mouth, with individuals inviting others. The media coverage might have amplified its reach, as people learned about it who might not have been aware of it otherwise.

Stream “Trainwreck: The Real Project X” on Netflix! Catch up on what’s happening with Olivia Gondek post “Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem.” Learn about the reasons behind the demand for a Live Nation boycott following “The Astroworld Tragedy.” Lastly, brace yourself for some cringe-worthy moments in “Trainwreck: Poop Cruise.

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2025-07-08 18:19