The devastating consequences of a viral internet trend have been revealed after a 12-year-old boy from Utah tragically died from complications linked to the extreme 'One Chip Challenge'.
Young Harris Wolobah passed away on September 1st, 2023, just hours after consuming the intensely spicy Paqui chip, a product specifically designed to test eaters' endurance. His family believe the challenge directly led to his untimely death.
A Family's Unimaginable Loss
His heartbroken mother, Lois Wolobah, recounted the horrific sequence of events, stating her son complained of a stomach ache shortly after eating the chip. She initially believed it was a minor issue, but his condition deteriorated rapidly.
"He just came out of the room and he showed me the video and he said, 'Mum, my stomach hurts so bad.' I gave him some water and some milk, and I rubbed his tummy," she told local news. Shortly after, Harris collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
What is the 'One Chip Challenge'?
The challenge, which proliferated on social media platforms like TikTok, involves eating a single tortilla chip coated with two of the world's hottest peppers—the Carolina Reaper and the Scorpion Pepper. Participants then attempt to endure the searing pain for as long as possible without consuming other food or drink.
The product's packaging, which came in a miniature coffin-shaped box, explicitly warned it was intended for adults only and should be kept out of the reach of children.
Nationwide Recall and Corporate Response
In the wake of Harris's death and growing pressure, the manufacturer, Paqui, a subsidiary of The Hershey Company, announced a voluntary recall of the product. The company urged retailers and consumers to dispose of the chips immediately.
"We have seen an increase in teens and other individuals not heeding these warnings. As a result, while the product continues to adhere to food safety standards, we are actively working with our retailers to remove the product from shelves," a Paqui spokesperson stated.
A Warning to Other Parents
Harris's parents are now sharing their story in a desperate bid to prevent other families from suffering a similar tragedy. They have described their son as a talented young basketball player with a bright future, whose life was cut short by a dangerous online craze.
"I just want something good to come from this. I don't want another child to go through this. I don't want another parent to have to suffer this kind of pain," said his father.
The official cause of death is still pending a full report from the medical examiner's office, but preliminary reports suggest a potential cardiac event may have been triggered by the extreme spice.
