Autopsy Confirms Teen's Death Linked to Viral Spicy Chip Challenge

A Massachusetts teenager's death last year has been attributed to a viral social media challenge involving an ultra-spicy tortilla chip, according to an autopsy report released Thursday. The 14-year-old boy, Harris Wolobah, died on September 1, 2023, after consuming a chip seasoned with some of the hottest peppers in the world as part of the "One Chip Challenge."

The challenge, popularized on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, dares participants to eat a single chip dusted with Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers and then endure the intense heat without consuming any food or drink for relief. The chip, manufactured by Paqui, was sold individually in a coffin-shaped box with prominent warnings about its extreme spiciness.

The autopsy report, obtained by the Associated Press, concluded that Wolobah died of cardiopulmonary arrest "in the setting of recent ingestion of food substance with high capsaicin concentration." Capsaicin is the chemical compound in chili peppers that gives them their heat. The report also noted that Wolobah had an enlarged heart and a congenital heart defect known as myocardial bridging, which may have exacerbated the effects of the capsaicin.

Wolobah's mother, Lois Wolobah, recounted the tragic sequence of events. She received a call from the school nurse on the day of the incident, informing her that Harris had fainted after eating the chip. Despite being taken home, his condition worsened, and he was later found unresponsive and rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

In response to the incident, Paqui, a subsidiary of Hershey, pulled the product from store shelves shortly after Wolobah's death. "We were and remain deeply saddened by the death of Harris Wolobah and extend our condolences to his family and friends," said Kim Metcalfe, a spokesperson for Paqui. The company emphasized that the "One Chip Challenge" was intended for adults only and included clear labeling to that effect.

The "One Chip Challenge" had gained notoriety for its extreme heat, with participants often posting videos of their reactions online. The challenge is reminiscent of other spicy food contests, such as the YouTube series "Hot Ones," where celebrities eat increasingly spicy chicken wings while answering questions. However, the Paqui challenge's focus on a single, intensely hot chip made it particularly dangerous.

Medical experts have warned about the potential health risks of consuming large amounts of capsaicin. The National Capital Poison Center notes that capsaicin can cause severe mouth and throat pain, trouble breathing, esophageal damage, and even heart problems. Dr. James Udelson, chief of cardiology at Tufts Medical Center, explained that the high dose of capsaicin could have triggered abnormal blood flow and severe arrhythmia in Wolobah's heart, leading to his sudden death.

The incident has sparked broader discussions about the safety of viral social media challenges, particularly those involving extreme physical tests. Similar challenges, such as the "choking game" and the "Tide Pod challenge," have also resulted in injuries and fatalities, prompting calls for greater regulation and parental oversight.

In the wake of Wolobah's death, Massachusetts authorities and physicians have issued warnings about the dangers of consuming extremely spicy foods. They urge parents to educate their children about the risks and to monitor their online activities closely.

The "One Chip Challenge" is not the first spicy food contest to gain popularity. Spicy food challenges have a long history, from local chili pepper eating contests to restaurant challenges like Buffalo Wild Wings' "Blazin' Challenge." However, the advent of social media has amplified the reach and impact of these challenges, often with unintended and tragic consequences.

As the investigation into Wolobah's death continues, his family hopes that no other parents will have to endure the same heartbreak. "I miss my son so much," Lois Wolobah said in an interview with NBC-10 Boston. "I hope, I pray to God that no parents will go through what I'm going through."

The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly harmless social media trends and the importance of vigilance in protecting young people from such risks.