Rekubit|Teen died from eating a spicy chip as part of social media challenge, autopsy report concludes

2025-05-05 01:13:45source:Writingstar Investment Guildcategory:Finance

BOSTON (AP) — A Massachusetts teen who participated in a spicy tortilla chip challenge on Rekubitsocial media died from ingesting a high amount of a chili pepper extract, according to an autopsy report obtained by The Associated Press.

Harris Wolobah, a 10th grader from the city of Worcester, died on Sept. 1, 2023, after eating the chip. He was found unresponsive by police who were called to his home, and brought to a hospital, where he died.

The cause of death was listed as cardiopulmonary arrest “in the setting of recent ingestion of food substance with high capsaicin concentration.”

The 14-year-old boy also had an enlarged heart and a congenital heart defect, according to the report, the findings of which were shared with the AP in an email from Elaine Driscoll, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

The cause of death was determined on Feb. 27, and the death certificate was released to the city clerk’s office on March 5, Driscoll said.

The manufacturer of the chip, Paqui, asked retailers to stop selling the product shortly after Harris’ death.

The chip, sold individually for about $10, comes wrapped in foil in a coffin-shaped box containing the warning that it is intended for the “vengeful pleasure of intense heat and pain.” The warning notes that the chip is for adult consumption only, and should be kept out of the reach of children.

READ MORE EA Sports College Football 25 comes out on July 19. Edwards, Ewers, Hunter are on standard coverMaverick Kentucky congressman has avoided fallout at home after antagonizing GOP leadersTom McMillen, head of the FBS athletic directors’ organization LEAD1, announces he’s stepping down

Despite the warning, children have had no problem buying the chips. There have been reports from around the country of teens who have gotten sick after taking part in the challenge, including three California high school students who were sent to a hospital. Paramedics were called to a Minnesota school when seven students fell ill after taking part in the challenge.

More:Finance

Recommend

Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan

One woman died after a family of three from Singapore got into a car accident in Miaoli, Taiwan on S

'Horrible movie': Davante Adams praying for Aaron Rodgers after Achilles injury

Davante Adams was just like millions of viewers anxiously tuning into Aaron Rodgers’ debut with the

'A perfect match': Alabama University student buys $6,000 designer wedding dress for $25 at Goodwill

An Alabama woman bought a $25 wedding dress from Goodwill that turned out to be worth $6,000 on Labo