Mass. teen dies after participating in ‘One Chip Challenge’

A popular social media trend known as the One Chip Challenge may have become deadly for a Worcester, Mass., teen who died hours after eating a corn chip infused with a pepper known as the Carolina Reaper.

The manufacturer, Paqui, did not immediately respond to the Daily News’s request for comment.

Harris Wolobah was a 14-year-old 10th grader at Doherty Memorial High School when he participated in what has become a viral social media trend, police told local media outlets Monday night.

According to what family told police, Harris ate the chip at school and went to the nurse’s office before heading home, WCVB-TV reported. Once there, he fainted and was rushed to the hospital.

Police Lt. Sean Murtha told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette that Harris was unresponsive and not breathing. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The snacks are made by Hershey subsidiary Amplify Snack Brands Inc.. Amplify also manufactures Skinny Pop popcorn and Pirate’s Booty. The chip challenge has been around since 2016.

“Made with two of the spiciest chili peppers in the world, the Carolina Reaper Pepper and Scorpion Pepper, this straight-from-hell chip now turns your tongue blue as a badge of honor to prove you completed the challenge!” the company crows on its challenge intro page.

Paqui’s website also does contain a warning label stating that the chips are not for children, among other caveats.

“Do not eat if you are sensitive to spicy foods, allergic to peppers, nightshades or capsaicin, or are pregnant or have any medical conditions,” the company says. “After touching the chip, wash your hands with soap and do not touch your eyes or other sensitive areas. Seek medical assistance should you experience difficulty breathing, fainting or extended nausea.”

Officials have still not determined whether the chip is what caused the boy’s death, but that is small consolation to the family and community grieving the loss of a person who “lit up the room with his presence and subtle charm” as his cousin wrote on a GoFundMe appeal to raise money for funeral expenses.

“It is with a heavy heart I share that we lost a rising star, Harris Wolobah, who was a sophomore scholar at Doherty Memorial High School,” Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Rachel Monarrez said in a statement on the school’s website. “As a mother and educator, I cannot imagine how hard this is on his family, friends and teachers. My heart goes out to all who knew and loved him.”

She added that the district would offer counseling and emotional support for anyone who had been affected.