Teen died from eating a spicy chip as part of social media challenge

BOSTON (AP) — A Massachusetts teen who participated in a spicy tortilla chip problem on social media died from ingesting a excessive quantity of a chili pepper extract, based on an post-mortem report obtained by The Related Press.

Harris Wolobah, a tenth grader from town of Worcester, died on Sept. 1, 2023, after consuming the chip. He was discovered unresponsive by police who have been known as to his house, and dropped at a hospital, the place he died.

The reason for demise was listed as cardiopulmonary arrest “within the setting of latest ingestion of meals substance with excessive capsaicin focus.”

The 14-year-old boy additionally had an enlarged coronary heart and a congenital coronary heart defect, based on the report, the findings of which have been shared with the AP in an e mail from Elaine Driscoll, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Govt Workplace of Public Security and Safety.

The reason for demise was decided on Feb. 27, and the demise certificates was launched to town clerk’s workplace on March 5, Driscoll mentioned.

The producer of the chip, Paqui, requested retailers to cease promoting the product shortly after Harris’ demise.

The chip, offered individually for about $10, comes wrapped in foil in a coffin-shaped field containing the warning that it’s meant for the “vengeful pleasure of intense warmth and ache.” The warning notes that the chip is for grownup consumption solely, and must be stored out of the attain of kids.

Regardless of the warning, youngsters have had no downside shopping for the chips. There have been studies from across the nation of teenagers who’ve gotten sick after participating within the problem, together with three California highschool college students who have been despatched to a hospital. Paramedics have been known as to a Minnesota college when seven college students fell sick after participating within the problem.