Family of 14-year-old who died after eating spicy chip files lawsuit against company

The family of a teenager who tragically lost his life after taking part in a social media challenge is suing the companies they believe are responsible.

The One Chip Challenge had been circulating on the internet for a few years but taking part would prove fatal for one Massachusetts teenager.

The challenge would see people purchase a Paqui Carolina Reaper chip, one of the hottest in the world, eat it, and try not to eat or drink anything afterwards for as long as possible.

While the product has prominent labelling stating that is not ‘children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods or with underlying health conditions’, according to the company, young people were still able to get their hands on it and often uploaded themselves eating it to social media.

Harris Wolobah died on 1 September, 2023 after taking part in the challenge. An autopsy found that he had eaten a large quantity of chile pepper extract and also had a congenital heart defect.

The challenge would see people eat the chip and avoid food and water for as long as possible.(Instagram/@paquichips)

According to the autopsy from the Chief Office of the Medical Examiner: “[Harris died of] cardiopulmonary arrest in the setting of recent ingestion of food substance with high capsaicin concentration.” Capsaicin is the component that gives chilli peppers their heat.

On Thursday (11 July) the family filed a lawsuit in in Suffolk Superior Court for Harris against Hershey and Walgreens.

One of the attorneys representing the families, Douglas Sheff, spoke to the media about the lawsuit.

He said: “Today we filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of this wonderful family for the loss of their beloved son, Harris.

"The defendants charged about $10 for each chip, $10 for the chip that killed Harris, $10 for his life,

"Isn't it clear that these defendants knew full well that this chip was unreasonably dangerous? And isn't this an obvious marketing campaign designed to attract kids to that very danger?"

The family are seeking punitive damages for the death of Harris in the lawsuit.

The family filed a lawsuit in in Suffolk Superior Court for Harris against Hershey, Walgreens and several others in the case.(GoFundMe)

Following his death, Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Rachel Monárrez also released a statement offering support for anyone who had been impacted by his death.

The statement read: “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.

“Worcester Public Schools is offering counseling and social emotional support for those who have been impacted by this tragedy.”

UNILAD has contacted Hershey and Walgreens for comment.