According to an autopsy report issued on Thursday (May 16), a teenager in Massachusetts died from cardiac arrest after engaging in a social media challenge that required eating an extremely hot tortilla chip.
Harris Wolobah, a 14-year-old from Massachusetts, died in September 2023 after undertaking the “One Chip Challenge.”
This challenge involves eating a single chip made by Paqui, coated with Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers.
The challenge has seen several variations throughout the years, with the types of peppers used varying each time.
According to the postmortem report reviewed by AFP, Harris died of cardiac arrest after consuming a dish with a high concentration of capsaicin, a chili pepper extract.
The autopsy also indicated that the teen had an enlarged heart, which could have contributed to his death.
In response to his death, Paqui removed the product—sold in a coffin-shaped box with a crimson skull and labeled ‘intense heat’—from store shelves.
According to media sources, three young people were hospitalized in California after taking part in the challenge, while seven others became ill in Minnesota for the same reason.
According to the postmortem report reviewed by AFP, Harris died of cardiac arrest after consuming a dish with a high concentration of capsaicin, a chili pepper extract.
Three young people were hospitalized in California after taking part in the challenge
The autopsy also indicated that the teen had an enlarged heart, which could have contributed to his death.
In response to his death, Paqui pulled the product—sold in a coffin-shaped box with a red skull and labeled ‘extreme heat’—from store shelves.
According to media sources, three young people were hospitalized in California after taking part in the challenge, while seven others became ill in Minnesota for the same reason.
The “One Chip Challenge” is a popular social media dare in which participants consume a single, highly spicy tortilla chip
The “One Chip Challenge” is a popular social media dare in which participants consume a single, highly spicy tortilla chip and then endure the tremendous heat without eating or drinking anything else for as long as possible. Paqui produced the chip, which is coated with some of the world’s hottest peppers, including the Carolina Reaper and the Naga Viper.
Participants frequently record themselves attempting the challenge and share their experiences online, which adds to its popularity. The challenge has acquired popularity because of the chip’s high heat, which can cause great discomfort, suffering, and, in some cases, more serious health consequences.
The chip, priced at about $10 each, is packaged in foil inside a coffin-shaped box with a warning that it is meant for the “vengeful pleasure of intense heat and pain.” The warning also states that the chip is to be consumed by adults and should be kept away from children.