14-year-old died of heart attack after participating in a spicy tortilla chip challenge

WORCESTER, MA – A tragic incident has brought renewed attention to the potential dangers of extreme spicy food challenges. Harris Wolobah, a 14-year-old high school student from Worcester, Massachusetts, died on September 1, 2023, after participating in the viral "One Chip Challenge." The challenge involves consuming a single, extremely spicy tortilla chip without drinking any beverage to alleviate the heat.

The autopsy report, released by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, confirmed that Harris succumbed to cardiopulmonary arrest. The report indicated that the cause of death was the ingestion of a food substance with a high concentration of capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers responsible for their heat. Additionally, the autopsy revealed that Harris had an enlarged heart and a congenital heart defect, which likely exacerbated the effects of the capsaicin.

The "One Chip Challenge," created by Paqui, a subsidiary of The Hershey Company, has gained significant popularity on social media platforms. Participants are encouraged to eat a single chip seasoned with Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers, two of the hottest peppers in the world, and then see how long they can endure the heat without consuming any other food or drink. The challenge has been widely shared on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where users post videos of their reactions to the intense heat.

Despite the product's packaging carrying explicit warnings that it is intended for adult consumption only and should be kept out of reach of children, numerous reports have emerged of minors participating in the challenge. Harris's death is not the first incident linked to the "One Chip Challenge." In previous years, several high school students across the United States have been hospitalized after experiencing severe reactions, including difficulty breathing and intense abdominal pain, after consuming the chip.

Following Harris's death, Paqui requested retailers to cease selling the product. The company emphasized that the challenge is not suitable for children, individuals sensitive to spicy foods, those with food allergies, pregnant women, or people with underlying health conditions. Despite these warnings, the allure of social media fame and the thrill of the challenge continue to attract young participants.

Health professionals have expressed growing concern over the trend of extreme spicy food challenges. Capsaicin, while generally safe in moderate amounts, can cause severe health issues when consumed in large quantities. Dr. Linda M. Kilpatrick, an expert on poison control, warns that high doses of capsaicin can lead to chest pain, heart palpitations, and even heart attacks. Repeated vomiting due to capsaicin consumption can also result in life-threatening esophageal damage.

The tragic death of Harris Wolobah has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of companies that market such products and the role of social media in promoting potentially dangerous activities. Elisa Trucco, an associate professor of psychology at Florida International University, notes that the glamorization of these challenges on social media can obscure the real risks involved. "You see a lot of 'likes' or comments indicating social status or popularity from these challenges, but you don't see a lot of the negative consequences – like the trips to the E.R. or other injuries," Trucco said.

In response to the incident, local authorities and school officials in Worcester have urged parents to talk to their children about the risks associated with participating in viral challenges. The Worcester School District has issued a statement encouraging parents to monitor their children's social media activity and to educate them about the potential dangers of consuming extremely spicy foods.

Harris's family has requested privacy during this difficult time. The community has rallied around them, offering support and raising awareness about the hazards of such challenges. A memorial service for Harris was held at his high school, where friends and family remembered him as a vibrant and active young man who loved basketball and had a bright future ahead of him.

The death of Harris Wolobah serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of participating in extreme food challenges. Health professionals continue to advise caution and moderation when consuming spicy foods, especially those with high concentrations of capsaicin. As social media trends continue to evolve, it is crucial for individuals, particularly young people, to be aware of the risks and to exercise caution when engaging in such activities.