A14-year-old has died after taking part in the social media trend known as the 'One Chip Challenge'.
The Associated Press obtained autopsy results for Harris Wolobah, from Worcester, Massachusetts, which concluded that he died as a result of eating a large quantity of chilli pepper extract - and he also had a congenital heart defect.
Harris, who was in 10th grade, tragically passed away on 1 September 2023 after taking part in the trend.
Advert
The 'One Chip Challenge' took social media by storm, and revolved around having to consume an extremely spicy Paqui Carolina Reaper chip and refrain from eating or drinking anything that would soothe the effects.
Social media footage of the trend reportedly showed a person eating the chip and reacting to the heat, coughing, spluttering and sometimes begging for water.
The Paqui chips were sold individually and sold around the $10 mark (£8).
Advert
They were wrapped in foil in a coffin-shaped box and displayed a warning of 'vengeful pleasure of intense heat and pain'.
The warning also stated that the chip was for adult consumption only, and should be kept out of the reach of children.
Harris' autopsy from the Chief Office of the Medical Examiner stated that he had died of cardiopulmonary arrest 'in the setting of recent ingestion of food substance with high capsaicin concentration'.
Capsaicin is what that gives chilli peppers their intense heat.
Advert
The autopsy also explained that Harris had cardiomegaly, which is an enlarged heart, and a congenital defect, termed as 'myocardial bridging of the left anterior descending coronary artery.'
Dr. Syed Haider, a cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, told Associated Press that 'large doses of capsaicin can increase how the heart squeezes, putting extra pressure on the artery'.
And yesterday (16 May) Paqui, a Texas brand which is part of the Hershey Co., made the statement: "We were and remain deeply saddened by the death of Harris Wolobah and extend our condolences to his family and friends."
Advert
It has been reported by The Mirror that three high school students in California were taken to a hospital and seven Minnesota students were treated by paramedics after taking part in the challenge back in 2022.
Following the death of Harris, Paqui also discontinued the chips, saying: "We saw increased reports of teens and other individuals not heeding these warnings.
"As a result, while the product adhered to food safety standards, out of an abundance of caution, we worked with retailers to voluntarily remove the product from shelves in September 2023, and the One Chip Challenge has been discontinued."
Advert
They also pointed to the chip's 'clear and prominent labeling highlighting that the product was not for children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods or with underlying health conditions'.
A GoFundMe in Harris' memory, that has disabled further donations at this time, noted that he was 'a light that lit up the room with his presence and subtle charm'.
"He was an intelligent, quirky and incredibly talented young man who loved video games and playing basketball." it also said.
Topics: Social Media, News, TikTok
Kya Buller