Man in Peru imitates Netflix's 13 Reasons Why by leaving audio tapes after committing suicide

A scene from the Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why.

A 23-year-old Peruvian man has taken his own life and left audiotapes behind for his loved ones in the style of Netflix's controversial suicide series 13 Reasons Why.

Franco Alonso Lazo Medrano left two notes behind after his suicide, Daily Mail reports.

One was addressed to the woman who had rejected his romantic advances and the other included instructions for his family detailing where they could find the tapes, according to Peruvian news outlet El Popular.

It is not clear whether the man had ever watched the Netflix show or if it inspired him but his actions mimic its story line.

13 Reasons Why tells the story of Hannah Baker, a teenager who takes her own life after recording tapes for friends to listen to after her death.

In the tapes, she explains why she killed herself, just as Medrano did.

The series, which was co-produced by Selena Gomez and is based on a novel of the same name, launched on Netflix in March and has amassed global popularity.

It has also attracted criticism for not initially including advisories about its potentially upsetting content and offering viewers information about suicide prevention.

The streaming service took the controversy on board and added an advisory.

In a statement explaining the move, a spokesman said: "There has been a tremendous amount of discussion about our series.

"While many of our members find the show to be a valuable driver for starting important conversation with their families, we have also heard concern from those who feel the series should carry additional advisories."

Co-creator Selena Gomez defended the show this week.

"I understood that we were going into something that is difficult, but these kids today are so exposed to things that I would never even have comprehended when I was eight.

"I feel like if this is what we are going to talk about, we might as well do it in a way that's going to be honest, it's going to be real, and it stays true to the book.

"I think that stuff is uncomfortable for people to talk about, but it is happening and hopefully it opened the door for people to actually accept what's happening and actually go and change it, talk about it," she told The Elvis Duran Show.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.