Spicy 'One Chip Challenge' May Have Caused Worcester Boy's Death: Family

WORCESTER, MA — A 14-year-old Doherty High School student died after taking part in the "One Chip Challenge," a social media trend where consumers are urged to resist drinking water or seeking other relief after eating a single extremely spicy Paqui chip, according to family members.

The boy, Harris Wolobah, died on Friday, according to family members. He experienced "complications" after taking the one-chip dare.

"The pain our family is experiencing is unimaginable. Harris was a light that lit up the room with his presence and subtle charm. He was an intelligent, quirky and incredibly talented young man who loved video games and playing basketball," his cousin, Tashia Roberts, wrote in a GoFundMe appeal.

Snack maker Paqui is known for selling single chips flavored with some of the hottest peppers available, like the naga viper and Carolina reaper. The company's website rates consumers on how long they can last after eating a single chip before seeking relief from drinking water or eating something to absorb the spice. A person who lasts 10 minutes is a "slitherer" while someone who lasts an hour is an "apex predator," the company's website says. The company also encourages participants to post their reactions to the chip on social media.

The company does not rate the heat of its chips, but said the peppers can be rated up to 1.7 million Scoville units. A jalapeño pepper, by comparison, is rated up to 5,000 Scoville units.

According to medical toxicologist Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, consuming high levels of capsaicin — the compound that causes the spice taste and other reactions — can cause serious health problems. Capsaicin is also the compound used to make pepper spray, tear gas and bear spray.

"Capsaicin consumption can also cause more serious health problems including chest pain, heart palpitations, and even heart attacks. Consumption of larger amounts of capsaicin can also cause repeated vomiting that can lead to life-threatening esophageal damage. Because of this, people should use caution when consuming foods or products that contain capsaicin," she wrote in an article about the Paqui challenge on the website Poison.org.

Paqui advises only adults should eat its products and partake in the chip challenge.

"Seek medical assistance should you experience difficulty breathing, fainting or extended nausea," Paqui's website says.

The GoFundMe for Harris is seeking to raise $20,000 for his funeral and memorial costs. The fundraiser had reached just over $9,000 as of Sunday morning. Worcester Public Schools is offering grief counselors for Doherty students on Sunday.

"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," Worcester Superintendent Rachel Monárrez said in a news release Sunday. "Worcester Public Schools is offering counseling and social emotional support for those who have been impacted by this tragedy. If you are a WPS student or staff member in need of grief support, please let a caring adult know at your school. We are here to help."