On Friday, September 1, 14-year-old Harris Wolobah tragically lost his life a few hours after his participation in the “One Chip Challenge,” a viral social media sensation.
He was enrolled at Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester, Massachusetts. After consuming a Paqui chip, Harris experienced stomach discomfort. He seemed to recover upon returning home from school but was discovered unconscious before setting out for basketball tryouts.
There’s ongoing uncertainty surrounding the exact cause of his death and the autopsy results are pending.
Lois Wolobah, his mother, suspects complications arising from the spicy chip might have played a role in her son’s demise.
The makers of the chip, Paqui, caution users on their website. They highlight potential health implications of ingesting their product, which they clarify is crafted for adult consumers.
The chip boasts of a fiery reputation, owing to key ingredients like Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers.
Certain health conditions, especially related to the heart, can be affected or worsened by the intake of extremely spicy substances.
Due to Wolobah’s death, retailers have taken the product off the shelves, at Paqui’s request, pending the autopsy’s findings.
In the wake of the incident, Rachel Monarrez, Worcester Schools Superintendent, extended heartfelt condolences, speaking of the void left by a student of Harris’s potential. Harris’s basketball coach from St. Bernard’s church team, Douglas Hill, remembered his commendable dedication.
