Massachusetts teenager dies after ‘participating in viral spicy chip problem’ fashionable on TikTok

A 14-year-old boy has died after participating in a viral pattern, in accordance with his household.

Harris Wolobah from Massachusetts died on Friday, officers stated, following what his household suspect to be from “complications” as a result of “one chip challenge”, though outcomes from a autopsy are pending.

The reason for the coed’s dying has not been confirmed, and officers didn’t share extra details about the circumstances round it.

The one chip problem, fashionable on TikTok, entails munching on supposedly one of many spiciest tortilla chips on the earth, then bearing the warmth for so long as doable earlier than consuming or consuming one thing else for aid.

The chip from US model Paqui comes individually wrapped and its web site says it’s constructed from two of the most popular chilli peppers on the earth – the Carolina Reaper and Scorpion.

Harris’s mom, Lois Walobah advised NBC10 Boston that she was known as to the varsity by a nurse on Friday and that her son had advised him a classmate gave him the chip, leaving him with a nasty abdomen ache.

They went dwelling however later that afternoon his brother yelled that Harris had handed out, she stated.

He was taken to hospital the place he was pronounced lifeless.

Ms Wolobah stated her son ought to have been despatched to the hospital as an alternative of dwelling after going to the nurse’s workplace, and needs others to know in regards to the chips to stop additional tragedies.

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‘A rising star’

Harris’s college paid tribute to {the teenager}, who was a eager basketball participant.

Worcester Public Schools superintendent Rachel Monarrez stated: “It is with a heavy heart I share that we lost a rising star, Harris Wolobah.

“As a mom and educator, I can not think about how laborious that is on his household, mates and academics. My coronary heart goes out to all who knew and liked him.”

One of his basketball coaches, Douglas Hill, stated he was shocked to be taught one in every of his star gamers had died.

Mr Hill stated: “The first thing was shock, like when they said the name, I had to literally ask a hundred times, like if this was him.

“In 1,000,000 years, you by no means would’ve imagined any child however Harris, so it was positively tough.”

Harris’s household arrange a fundraiser for his funeral bills with over $22,000 (£17,500) raised.

The one chip problem has circulated on social media for a number of years, with 1000’s trying it with various outcomes of tears and abdomen ache.

The firm says the chip needs to be evaded kids, is just for adults to eat, and should not be eaten by anybody who’s delicate to spicy meals or with an allergen.

Sky News has contacted Paqui for remark.