A Massachusetts community is mourning the death of a 14-year-old high school student who tragically died after participating in the viral “One Chip Challenge” at school.
According to Live5News, 14-year-old Harris Wolobah, a Doherty Memorial High School sophomore, died several hours after participating in the challenge.
Officials are cautious about attributing Harris’ death to eating the Paqui chip, but doctors warn that consuming capsaicin, a natural ingredient in the peppers, can have dangerous side effects.
According to the publication, Harris’ mother, Lois Wolobah, got a call from the school on Friday about her son’s stomachache after eating the chip. Later at home, Harris felt temporarily better, so he went to basketball tryouts, where his health suddenly worsened, resulting in his collapse.
He was then taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Lois told NBC10 Boston that she believes her son died from complications from the chip. However, the cause of death has not been confirmed.
Paqui’s chip features a coffin-shaped box with a skull design containing just one tortilla chip.
The chip packaging warns against children consuming it, and the website advises seeking medical help for breathing issues, fainting, or extended nausea during the challenge.
Worcester Public Schools is offering grief counseling and support for its students and staff.
