Harris Wolobah, a 14-year-old from Massachusetts, died of cardiac arrest after participating in a spicy chip challenge. The spicy chip challenge is also known as the One Chip Challenge. According to autopsy reports, Harris passed away after taking part in a social media dare that involved eating a single extremely hot tortilla chip. The autopsy also revealed that Harris had an enlarged heart, which may have also contributed to his death. The challenge was called the ‘One Chip Challenge.’ It required the participant to eat a chip made by Paqui, which would be coated with Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers. The One Chip Challenge has seen various versions over the years, with different peppers used each time. Harris's death that occurred in September highlights the potential dangers of such extreme challenges. Tamil Nadu: Schoolgirl Consumes 45 Iron Tablets in Dare Game With Friends in Ooty, Dies of Liver Failure.

The One Chip Challenge that took Harris’s life, is a popular social media trend that began as a marketing campaign by the chip company Paqui in 2016. The challenge involved eating one chip flavoured with the Carolina Reaper pepper. This pepper is known to be the hottest pepper in the world. The participant has to record how long they can go without drinking or eating anything for relief, after eating the chip. After the death of 14-year-old Harris Wolobah, Paqui removed the product, which used to come in a coffin-shaped box with a red skull and was labelled 'extreme heat,' from their store’s shelves. Following Harris's tragic passing, his cousin started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with the funeral expenses. The fundraiser page describes Harris as a bright, charming presence who lit up every room he entered. It also says that he was an intelligent, quirky, and talented young man who enjoyed playing video games and basketball.

Harris’s case, however, is not the only one. In California, three youths had to be hospitalised after participating in the spicy chip challenge, and seven others fell ill, according to media reports. These incidents highlight the dangers of extreme social media challenges. It is very important for people to be aware of the risks while taking on such challenges. It is necessary to prioritise health and safety over online trends. Authorities and parents should educate young people about the dangers of such challenges to prevent harm.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 17, 2024 01:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).