A teenager from Worcester, Massachusetts, died after participating in a viral social media challenge—and now his parents are speaking out about the tragedy.
14-year-old Harris Wolobah was sent home from school with a stomach ache on September 1 after participating in the One Chip Challenge. The viral challenge involves eating a spicy Paqui Tortilla chip and refraining from drinking or eating anything else for as long as they can tolerate.
The chip—which contains both Carolina Reaper and the Naga Viper peppers—is sold in a coffin-shaped package and contains a warning stating that the chip should only be consumed by adults. The product, however, is available on grocery store shelves for anyone to purchase.
Wolobah's mother Lois explained to CBS Boston that she had picked up Harris from school after the nurse called her and told her Harris had a stomach ache after eating the chip.
Lois shared that her son was feeling better once they were at home, but at around 4:30, when he was about to leave for basketball practice, Harris' brother yelled that he had passed out.
Harris was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, his official cause of death not yet known.
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Worcester teen dies after "One Chip Challenge" youtu.be
Those learning of Harris' story expressed their heartbreak for the family over the terrible tragedy.
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Harris' mother wanted to spread information about this challenge in an effort prevent other families from enduring the same heartbreak.
"I pray no parent goes through what I'm going through."
"I miss my son so much."
Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Rachel Monárrez said in a statement Sunday:
"It is with a heavy heart I share that we lost a rising star, Harris Wolobah, who was a sophomore scholar at Doherty Memorial High School."
"As a mother and educator, I cannot imagine how hard this is on his family, friends and teachers."
"My heart goes out to all who knew and loved him."
A local church planned a basketball fundraiser over the weekend to help the family with funeral costs.
