A Chip Can Be Deadly!

Deadly challenges.

Tortilla chip company Paqui is mourning the loss of a Massachusetts teen who failed to read the warnings of their extremely spicy chips. The chips were released to adults and it has two of the most spiciest peppers.

The 2023 One Chip Challenge chips contains Blue Corn, Sunflower and/or Safflower Oil, Carolina Reaper Pepper, Naga Viper Pepper, and Sea Salt.

It is one tortilla chip and they warn people that consumption can be dangerous if you are not properly prepared for it.

The teen was dared to trying to the chip. Once he ate it, he was fine for a moment. He held on for 10 minutes before the chip's side effects kicked in.

Soon he was complaining about his stomach being upset and then started convulsions. He soon became unconscious and they rushed him to the hospital where he would later die.

Harris Wolobah, who was a 14-year-old 10th-grade student at Doherty Memorial High School, died on the same day that he participated in the viral social media trend known as the "One Chip Challenge."

That challenge, which the Paqui brand debuted in 2016, involves eating what is claimed to be one of the spiciest tortilla chips in the world. Paqui chips are made by Amplify Snack Brands, Inc., a subsidiary of The Hershey Company.

Investigators said it appears Wolobah ate the chip Friday and died later that day. Authorities said it remains unclear if the food contributed to his death.

Wolobah's family said he was at school when he ate the chip and went to the nurse's office before going home.

The family said that Wolobah fainted shortly after arriving at his house. First responders were called to the home and rushed him to a local hospital, where he ultimately died.

"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," Dr. Rachel Monarrez, superintendent of Worcester Public Schools, said in a statement.

Teen died from asphyxiation eating extremely spicy chip.

"He was the kind of kid who would work really hard," said Douglas Hill, Wolobah's basketball coach for the St. Bernard's Church team. "I feel for the family. I feel for him, and this is just one of those situations where it's not his fault."

A warning on the Paqui website states that people who partake in the One Chip Challenge should seek medical assistance if they experience difficulty breathing, fainting or extended nausea.

Dr. Lauren Rice, chief of pediatric emergency medicine at Tufts Medical Center, said when someone ingests something that spicy, it can cause side effects that range from mouth or lip burning to heart issues.

"Sometimes, we see people with a lot of chest pain, or they'll experience palpitations, as well," Rice said.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is now working to determine the cause of Wolobah's death.

The district is working with the school to provide grief support to students and staff who knew Wolobah.

Hill said St. Bernard's Church will host a co-ed basketball workout on Saturday, Sept 9., in honor of Wolobah. The cost is $25 per athlete and all proceeds will go directly to the Wolobah family. Hill is asking people to register through Instagram (@dhill0516) or by calling or texting him at 774-823-5607.