Harris Wolobah One Chip Challenge Death: Paqui's Accountability Questioned

A 14-year-old boy in Massachusetts died after participating in the 'One Chip Challenge,' a viral social media trend involving extremely spicy peppers. The boy's family believes his death was caused by complications from the challenge. The chip's company warns of adverse medical effects and advises seeking medical assistance if experiencing trouble breathing or prolonged nausea. The challenge has gained popularity on social media, with over two billion views on TikTok.

A tragic incident occurred when a 14-year-old boy from Massachusetts lost his life after participating in the 'One Chip Challenge', a popular viral trend on social media. The challenge involves consuming an extremely spicy Paqui chip, which is known to contain some of the world's hottest peppers. The boy, Harris Wolobah, a sophomore at Doherty Memorial High School, ate the chip at school and soon developed a stomach ache. He was picked up by his family and taken home, where he initially felt better. However, he later passed out just as he was about to leave for basketball tryouts. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead.

The exact cause of Harris' death is still unknown, pending autopsy results. However, his mother, Lois, believes that the spicy chip was a contributing factor. The chip's company, Paqui, actually warns on its website that consuming the chip could have adverse medical effects. It is part of the challenge to see how long a person can endure the spiciness without consuming anything else for relief. The company advises that only adults should eat the chip and that medical assistance should be sought if breathing difficulties, fainting, or prolonged nausea occur.

The Paqui chip that Harris consumed is made with Carolina Reaper Pepper and Naga Viper Pepper, which are known for their extreme spiciness. While this incident marks the first reported fatality related to the chips, there have been other cases where children required medical attention after eating them. In fact, a school district in Lafayette, Louisiana banned the chips from all campuses after multiple students needed medical attention. Paramedics were also called to a high school in Dunwood, Georgia due to the effects of the chips.

The 'One Chip Challenge' is a marketing campaign created by Paqui to promote their chip as the spiciest in the world. The challenge has gained significant attention on social media, with the hashtag '#onechipchallenge' accumulating over two billion views on TikTok. The chip is manufactured by Paqui, a subsidiary of Amplify Snack Brands, which was acquired by The Hershey Company in 2017.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with participating in viral challenges without fully understanding the potential risks. While these challenges may seem harmless or exciting, they can have severe consequences, as demonstrated by Harris' untimely death. It is essential for individuals, especially young people, to prioritize their well-being and safety over the pursuit of viral fame.

Share With Others