US teen dies after consuming world's hottest chips for viral social media challenge

• Image Credit: Google

• Sep 6, 2023 | Dhupali Das

A 14-year-old boy from Massachusetts passed away last Friday just hours after participating in the "One Chip Challenge," a...

Digital Desk: In a heart-wrenching incident, a 14-year-old boy from Massachusetts passed away last Friday just hours after participating in the "One Chips Challenge," a viral social media trend that involves consuming one of the world's spiciest chips. The chips, meant for adult consumption only, is manufactured by Paqui Chips, who have issued a warning about its potential adverse effects.

Harris Wolobah, the young teenager at the center of this tragedy, ingested exceptionally spicy Paqui chips at his school, which led to him experiencing severe stomach discomfort. His family decided to bring him home, hoping for a quick recovery. However, his condition took a dire turn, and he lost consciousness. Wolobah was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

While the exact cause of death remains unconfirmed, pending the results of an autopsy, Wolobah's mother, Lois, has publicly speculated that her son's untimely passing might be connected to complications arising from the consumption of the fiery chip.

Paqui, the manufacturer of the chips, has been forthright about its intended adult audience. On their website, they warn consumers of the potential medical risks associated with eating the chip and advise seeking medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fainting, difficulty in breathing, or prolonged nausea.

The "One Chip Challenge" has gained notoriety on social media, with participants sharing their experiences under the hashtag #onechipchallenge while tagging the company. The challenge involves eating an entire tortilla chips containing two of the world's hottest chili peppers, as officially recognized by Guinness World Records: the Carolina Reaper Pepper and the Naga Viper Pepper.

As authorities await the autopsy results, this tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of adhering to age restrictions and heeding warnings associated with extreme challenges, especially those involving spicy foods.

The "One Chip Challenge" is just one of many internet-driven trends that have captured the attention of young people in recent years. While these challenges can be entertaining and generate social media buzz, they often come with inherent risks. 

In the wake of this tragedy, Harris Wolobah's family is grappling with the sudden loss of their beloved son, while the community mourns the young life cut short. The incident has sparked conversations about the responsibility of companies in marketing and selling products that can pose health risks, as well as the importance of parental guidance in monitoring their children's online activities and choices.

The outcome of the autopsy will shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Harris Wolobah's death, but one thing remains clear: this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when young individuals are enticed by viral challenges that push the boundaries of safety.