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

14-year-old Harris Wolobah died from cardiac arrest after consuming an ultra-spicy chip, exacerbated by an undiagnosed heart condition.

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A Paqui One Chip Challenge chip is displayed in Boston, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. A medical examiner says a Massachusetts teen who participated in a spicy tortilla chip challenge died from ingesting a substance “with a high capsaicin concentration,” according to autopsy results The Associated Press obtained late Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Capsaicin is a chili pepper extract. Harris Wolobah died on Sept. 1, 2023, after eating the chip.

Overview

  • The 'One Chip Challenge' involved eating a chip with extremely high capsaicin levels from Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers.
  • Harris Wolobah had an enlarged heart and a congenital heart defect, contributing to his death.
  • Paqui, the chip manufacturer, pulled the product from shelves following the incident.
  • Multiple cases of hospitalization linked to the challenge were reported across the U.S.
  • Warnings on the product indicated it was not for children or individuals with health conditions.