Teen’s cause of death in viral spicy tortilla chip eating challenge revealed

A teenage boy who died from doing the spicy tortilla chip challenge that went viral on social media has had his cause of death revealed.

Tenth grader Harris Wolobah, 14, participated in the Pacqui ‘One Chip Challenge’ and died on September 1, 2023.

His autopsy results showed his cause of death was eating a large amount of chile pepper extract and that he suffered from a congenital heart defect, according to autopsy results released on Thursday.

He died of a cardiopulmonary arrest ‘in the setting of recent ingestion of food substance with high capsaicin concentration’, states the autopsy.

The Pacqui tortilla chip has ingredients from two of the hottest peppers in the world.

Shortly after Wolobah’s death, Pacqui pulled the product from shelves.

‘We were and remain deeply saddened by the death of Harris Wolobah and extend our condolences to his family and friends,’ stated Pacqui, according to The New York Times.

‘Paqui’s One Chip Challenge was intended for adults only, with clear and prominent labeling highlighting that the product was not for children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods or with underlying health conditions.’

Though Wolobah’s cause of death was just revealed, it was determined on February 27. His death certificate was issued on March 5 to the Worcester city clerk’s office.

Paqui had warned customers to ‘wash your hands with soap and do not touch eyes or other sensitive areas’ after picking up a chip.

The company also said the chip could cause difficulty breathing, nausea and fainting.

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