WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — The tragic death of a Massachusetts teenager who reportedly consumed an extremely spicy tortilla chip has ignited concerns about a dangerous social media challenge. As a result, retailers have heeded the manufacturer’s request to remove the product from their shelves.With the cause of Harris Wolobah’s death still unknown, his family, friends, and teammates gathered for a vigil in Worcester to pay tribute to the 10th grader who was passionate about basketball. The emotional event featured candlelight, heartfelt speeches, and a shared meal of pizza. Attendees were given small basketballs as keepsakes.Wearing blue shirts adorned with Wolobah’s photo and the words “We Love You. We Miss You,” his family expressed their grief during the vigil. Harris’ mother, Lois, approached his photo, called out his name, and sobbed while being supported by other relatives.The One Chip Challenge, which the family attributed to Wolobah’s death, was not mentioned during the vigil. This challenge involves eating a chip that comes in a coffin-shaped box and is wrapped in foil. The packaging warns of intense heat and pain and is intended for adults only. Despite the warnings, children have been able to access the chip without difficulty.In a recent incident, a 10-year-old Florida girl was suspended from school for bringing the chip, leading to six other children needing medical attention. Similar cases of illness have been reported around the country, heightening concerns about the dangerous nature of the challenge. Friends of Wolobah have expressed regret, stating that they now believe the challenge is more perilous than previously understood.Adults have also ventured into the world of spicy challenges. Joaquin Diaz, a construction worker from New York, tried the chip and experienced severe stomach cramps and diarrhea. Though he planned to try the chip again, he ultimately changed his mind upon learning of Wolobah’s death.Roger Trier, a content creator from Illinois, completed a 100-chip challenge and documented it on TikTok and YouTube. He believes that individuals under the age of 18 should only partake in such spicy challenges under adult supervision.Due to its popularity on social media platforms, the chip has gained momentum in sales. However, major retailers, including 7-Eleven and Walgreens, have removed the product from their shelves. Amazon has ceased sales and is notifying recent buyers of the product’s removal. Additionally, eBay is blocking all One Chip Challenge listings.Paqui, a subsidiary of The Hershey Company responsible for the chip, expressed its condolences for Wolobah’s death and emphasized that it is working with retailers to remove the product from circulation. Massachusetts authorities have issued warnings to parents about the challenge, and doctors have highlighted the potential dangers of consuming spicy foods, which range from mild symptoms like tingling to severe issues like abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In extreme cases, the high concentrations of capsaicin found in such chips can lead to fatal dysrhythmia or permanent damage to the heart.
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