Featured Image Credit: GoFundMe. NBC
Topics: US News
Stewart Perrie
A 14-year-old boy has died after eating a tortilla chip that was incredibly spicy.
The One Chip Challenge has been a viral trend on social media for years.
It first emerged in 2016 after Paqui released a Carolina Reaper chip, which is one of the hottest chilli peppers in the world.
The challenge involves a person eating the chip and trying not to eat or drink anything after to avoid the burn.
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It has been banned in several schools in the US after kids were trying it and winding up in hospital.
One family has been rocked by tragedy after a teenager passed out after eating one of the chips.
The Daily Mail says Harris Wolobah was given the spicy tortilla chip by a classmate and he ate it.
Not long after he began complaining about stomach pains and his mother was called to the school.
While he felt better at home, he collapsed and passed out.
The teenager was taken to hospital and was sadly pronounced dead.
An autopsy will be completed to determine whether the chip contributed to his death.
Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Rachel Monárrez released a statement confirming Harris' tragic passing.
“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," she said.
"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.
"If you are a WPS student or staff member in need of grief support, please let a caring adult know at your school. We are here to help.
“It is during the most trying times that the community of Worcester comes together and this is one of those times. May we stay focused on allowing the grief and healing process during this difficult time.”
Paqui releases a new One Chip each year and their packaging encourages people to not eat or drink anything after consuming the food.
They say you're an 'apex predator' if you can last an hour.
The 2023 version has a Carolina Reaper and a Naga Viper Pepper embedded into it.
More than $20,000 has been raised on a GoFundMe in the wake of his death in the hope that it will help his family deal with the tragic loss.
"Our family is planning to lay Harris to rest in the coming weeks, so I’m hoping that with the help of this compassionate community, we can raise enough funds to alleviate the burden of funeral expenses for his parents and siblings during this incredibly difficult time," the fundraiser said.
Paqui says their One Chip Challenge isn't intended for children and only is meant for adult consumption.
UNILAD has reached out to Paqui for comment.