A Massachusetts teen died on Friday after doing the viral “One Chip” TikTok challenge.
The Paqui “One Chip Challenge” involves eating an extremely spicy tortilla chip, which is sold in a coffin-shaped box, without drinking anything to alleviate the burning sensation.
The chip’s package warns that it is “intended for adult consumption” and to “keep out of reach of children.”
“Do not eat if you are sensitive to spicy foods, allergic to peppers, nightshades, or capsaicin, or are pregnant of have any medical condition,” the package’s warning continues. “Seek medical assistance should you experience difficulty breathing, fainting, or extended nausea.”
Harris Walobah, 14, ate the chip during the school day at Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester.
Wolobah had a “bad stomachache” after doing the challenge and was picked up by his family, who said he began feeling better.
Lois Walobah, the sophomore’s mother, told NBC10 Boston that at 4:30 p.m., when he was about to leave for basketball tryouts, his brother yelled that he’d passed out.
Walobah told the outlet that she believes the school nurse should have sent him to the hospital instead of home that day.
An autopsy to determine the boy’s cause of death is still pending.
NBC10 reports, “A Worcester police spokesperson confirmed the agency was investigating the teenager’s death but didn’t say whether the investigation was focused on any potential criminal activity.”
Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Rachel Monárrez said in a statement on 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,” Monárrez continued.
The district is offering grief counseling and social-emotional support for students having difficulty coping with the loss of their peer.
The 2023 version of the chip is made with Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers.
“We do not have an official Scoville rating for the chip itself, however the seasoning used in the chip contains two of the hottest peppers currently available. Carolina Reaper Peppers, which are around 1.7 million Scoville Units and Naga Viper Pepper which around 1.4 million Scoville Units,” the brand’s website states.
