Tragic Death of 11Year Old Boy Highlights Dangers of TikTok Challenge
Tragic Death of an 11Year Old Boy Highlights Dangers of TikTok Challenge
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The untimely death of 11year old boy Tommie-Lee Gracie Billington has sent shockwaves through the community after he tragically passed away following an attempt at a TikTok challenge known as “chroming” during a friend’s sleepover on Saturday.
Chroming, a risky recreational activity, involves inhaling hazardous household chemicals and substances such as nail polish remover, hairspray and aerosol deodorant
Authorities from Lancashire Police were summoned to the scene around noon, where they found Tommie unresponsive. It was revealed that Tommie had attempted the TikTok challenge “chroming,” a dangerous practice involving inhaling the fumes from cleaning products or toxic substances to achieve a high.
According to reports from the Times of London, inhaling these toxic chemicals can have severe consequences on the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as slurred speech, dizziness, and, in extreme cases, death. Despite efforts to save him, Tommie was rushed to the hospital, where he tragically went into cardiac arrest and passed away.
“He died instantly after a sleepover at a friend’s house,” shared Tommie’s grandmother, Tina Burns. “The boys had tried the TikTok craze ‘chroming.'” She expressed profound devastation, stating, “He had a heart of gold just like his dad. Our family is utterly devastated.”
This incident sheds light on the alarming trend of dangerous challenges circulating on social media platforms, with TikTok being a prominent platform where such challenges gain traction. In response, Tommie’s family is advocating for stricter regulations on social media platforms and is calling for TikTok to be shut down and restricted from children under 16.
In a recent development, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has taken steps to address the issue by advancing a bill that could potentially ban TikTok from all U.S. devices. If approved, TikTok’s parent company will be given a timeframe of 165 days to sell the app.
Meanwhile, authorities have initiated an investigation into Tommie’s death, treating it as unexplained. In a show of support for the grieving family, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist with funeral expenses. Any additional donations received will contribute towards a headstone or memorial through the Co-Operative Funeral Directors.
The tragic loss of Tommie serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with online challenges and the critical need for increased awareness and regulation to prevent further tragedies.