By Marlyn Montilla
05 Sep 2023, 11:10 AM EDT
A 14-year-old boy from Massachusetts has died after taking part in the so-called “One Chip Challenge” viral on social media, which the boy’s family believe contributed to his untimely death, according to reports.
Identified as Harris Wolobah, a sophomore at Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester, ate an extremely spicy Paqui chip at school and immediately had severe stomach pain, said his mother, Lois.
The teen was picked up by his family and taken home and began to feel better, but was later found unconscious as he intended to leave for basketball tryouts, his mother said.
Wolobah was rushed by his family to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead at the scene.
So far the cause of death has not been confirmed and the results of the autopsy are still pending.
The boy’s mother told NBC 10 Boston that she guesses her son may have had complications from the stinging chip.
The manufacturer of the chip warns on its website that when ingested it could have adverse medical effects.
Part of the viral challenge is how long a person who ate the chip can last before eating or drinking something to get rid of the spiciness.
The Paqui brand indicates on its website that it should only be consumed by adults.
It also advises people to seek medical help if they experience trouble breathing, fainting, or persistent nausea.
“After touching the chip, wash your hands with soap and do not touch your eyes or other sensitive areas,” says the brand.
This 2023 chip contains Carolina Reaper Pepper and Naga Viper Pepper, says the Paqui site.
For his part, the Worcester Public Schools chief said the school community “lost a rising star” in Wolobah.
“As a mother and educator, I cannot imagine how difficult this is for her family, friends and teachers,” Worcester Schools Superintendent Rachel Monarrez said, Boston 25 reported.
His St. Bernard Church basketball coach, Douglas Hill, called him a hard worker dedicated to his craft.
“I feel for the family,” Hill said. “I feel for him, and this is just one of those situations where it’s not his fault.”
Tufts Medical Center chief of pediatric emergency medicine, Dr. Lauren Rice, said when someone eats spicy food, symptoms can range from burning mouth or lips to heart problems.
“Sometimes we see people with a lot of chest pain or they also have palpitations,” Rice said.
Harris Wolobah’s family created a fundraising GoFundMe page to help his family with funeral expenses.
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