A 14-year-old boy died while taking part in the internet's Spicy Chip Challenge, his autopsy confirmed.
Harris Wolobah, of Worcester, Massachusetts, died Sept. 1, 2023, after eating a Paqui chip, the Associated Press reported, citing the autopsy.
Officers found Harris unresponsive at his home, and he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Harris' death was caused by ingesting a high amount of a chili pepper extract, which triggered cardiopulmonary arrest in the teen, the medical examiner determined.
Harris also had an enlarged heart and a congenital heart defect.
The Spicy Chip Challenge – also known as the One Chip Challenge – gained online popularity after its debut in stores in 2016. The social media trend dared participants to eat one extremely spicy Paqui Carolina Reaper chip and avoid eating or drinking anything afterwards.
Following Harris' death, the chips were removed from store shelves.
