A Massachusetts teenager died last week after eating spicy chips for a social media challenge.
According to CBS News’ WBZ, Harris Wolobah participated in the “one chip challenge” on Friday, a viral social media trend that involves eating spicy chips containing Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers.
Harris’ mother, Lois Wolobah, told the newspaper that a school nurse at Doherty Memorial High School called her that day and told her that her son had passed out after eating potato chips. The high school sophomore was picked up from school and by 4:30 p.m. family members reportedly found the teenager passed out.
They then took Harris to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead, Lois told NBC-10 Boston.
A spokesperson for Worcester Public Schools confirmed to NBC-10 Boston that Harris became ill and went to the nurse’s office, was sent home and died later that day.
Harris’ father, Amos Wolobah, told WBZ that his son had “no preexisting conditions.” As of Wednesday, Harris’ autopsy results were still pending, and the cause of death had not been determined, according to The Boston Globe.
“I pray to God that no parent goes through what I’m going through,” Lois told WBZ. “I don’t want to see anyone suffer the way I’m suffering. I miss my son very much, I miss him very much.”
Harris Wolobah died on Friday after doing the ‘One Chip Challenge’.
Sarah Dussault/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty
The “one chip challenge” comes from the snack brand Paqui. Paqui sells unique spicy chips for $10 and states that the rules on its website are “eat the whole chip.” Wait as long as possible before eating or drinking. Post your reaction on social media with #onechipchallenge and mention @paquichips.”
Paqui did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
A GoFundMe set up by Harris’ cousin to raise money for his funeral describes the family’s pain as “unimaginable”. “Harris was a light that lit up the room with his presence and subtle charm,” the post said, adding that Harris was “intelligent, quirky and incredibly talented.”
Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Rachel Monárrez confirmed the teenager’s death in a statement over the weekend. She described the basketball player as a “rising star”.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education