“Chroming” is the act of inhaling a hazardous substance, such as paint, solvent, aerosol cans, glue, cleaning solutions, or gasoline, for a brief high. The risky act can cause heart attacks, asphyxia, and long-term damage to the liver, brain, and kidneys.
Tommie-lee Gracie Billington died on Saturday after being discovered unresponsive at a friend’s home in Greenset Close, Lancaster. His grandmother has already spoken out, blaming the tragic death on a new deadly internet challenge known as “chroming.”
The family of the 11-year-old child who died unexpectedly stated that it was due to a TikTok challenge. Lancashire Constabulary stated that the death, which occurred on Saturday, is “unexplained” and is currently being investigated.
Tommy-Lee went into cardiac arrest and died right away after trying the TikTok fad known as chroming
Tina Burns, a nursing assistant from Clayton-le-woods, made an emotional plea to the Lancashire Post: “We need the cause, the reason, to come out in the media about what murdered my grandson.”
“He died immediately after staying overnight at a friend’s house. The youngsters had tried the TikTok fad known as ‘chroming’.”
“Tommy-Lee went into cardiac arrest and died right away. The hospital tried everything to bring him back, but nothing worked. “He was gone.”
Burns wrote on Facebook:
“Never felt heartache like this. I love you so much, buddy. My sweet child, you’ll always remain in my heart. I will do all in my power to ensure that your name and gorgeous face become the reason why other children’s lives are spared and other families do not have to endure this very painful loss.”
The grandmother told the magazine that both sides of Tommie-lee’s family are now advocating for stricter internet safety measures, such as banning under-16s from using TikTok.
In a heartbreaking tribute, the youngster’s bereaved family members described him as a “bright energetic boy” with a “heart of gold,” and declared themselves “utterly devastated.”
The coroner has been informed, and a report on the cause of death will be prepared.
The Independent quoted a police official as saying, “An investigation is underway, and the boy’s family is being assisted by specially trained personnel. Our sympathies are with the boy’s loved ones during this really sad moment.”
A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson stated, “We responded to a 999 call at 12.02 p.m. to a private property on Greenset Close in Lancaster.”