Heartbroken family warn of chroming after 11-year-old son ‘died instantly’

A young boy has died as a result of 'chroming', a potentially deadly social media trend.

Tommie-lee Gracie Billington from Lancaster, England, took part in the dangerous social media trend and ultimately lost his life as a result, his family say.

Now, they're speaking out about the 11-year-old's untimely passing to raise awareness about the dangers of 'chroming'.

The apparent trend involves a person inhaling toxic chemicals from paint, solvent, aerosol cans, cleaning products or petrol for a short-term high.

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If inhalants like these are abused, it causes the central nervous system to slow down, causing the 'high' sensation.

Tommie-lee was at a friend's house when the attempted the stunt took place, according to his grandmother, and tragically died on March 2 after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest.

While police say the young boy's death is 'unexplained', his family believe it stems from attempting the dangerous social media craze.

Speaking to local news outlet, the Lancashire Post, Tommie-lee's grandmother Tina Burns says the family are 'devastated'.

"We need the cause, the reason to get out there in the media of what killed my grandson," she told the newspaper.

"He died instantly after a sleepover at a friend's house. The boys had tried the TikTok craze 'chroming'."

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TikTok has since denied that the so-called trend is specific to the video sharing platform.

Tina continued: "Tommie-lee went into cardiac arrest immediately and died right there and then. The hospital did everything to try and bring him back but nothing worked. He was gone."

She went on to hail the late youngster as being 'a bright, energetic boy'.

Doubling down on wanting to raise awareness about 'chroming', Tina added: "This is breaking us all but we want to help save other children's lives and give families awareness to keep their children safe.

"I have had so many messages from parents thanking me for making them aware."

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She also called for social media platforms to have a minimum age setting of 16 years old so young people like her late grandson don't end up gaining access to potentially dangerous content.

The family have started a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Tommie-lee's funeral.

Fundraiser creator Julie Hartley penned on the page: "I'm sure your all aware of the untimely passing of this gorgeous little boy. I would like to raise funds towards his funeral expenses to help his loving family out. Any donation would be very much appreciated."

At the time of writing, over £2,700 has been raised of the £3,000 target.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.