11-Year-Old Boy Dies After TikTok ‘Chroming’ Craze Goes Wrong
Tommie-lee Gracie Billington from Lancaster, England, participated in a ghastly social media trend that resulted in him losing his life.
The 11-year-old took part in the activity while at a friend's house. He was later found unconscious at the pal's house, located in Greenset Close, Lancaster. According to the family, he died suddenly following the incident.
"Tommie-lee went into cardiac arrest immediately and died right there and then. The hospital did everything to try and bring him back but nothing worked. He was gone," his grandmother Tina Burns told local newspaper, Lancashire Post.
"Chroming" is a trend that dates back years, but has resurfaced in recent months after trending on TikTok. The act involves inhaling toxic chemicals such as paint, solvent, cleaning products, and even deodorant cans, while others film and post the videos online.
The act of inhaling toxic fumes induces a temporary high, but affects the nervous system. It also slows down brain activit, causing slurred speech, dizziness, and hallucinations.
Users may also experience side effects including nausea, vomiting, and disorientation. The results of inhaling can be extremely dangerous and may lead to heart attacks, suffocation, or permanent brain, lung, liver, or kidney damage.
"Never felt pain like this. I just love you so much mate. My baby boy, you will forever be in my heart. I will make sure to the best of my ability that your name and your beautiful face will become the reason that other children's lives will be saved and other families don't have to suffer this deep, deep hurt," Burns wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.
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A coroner has been contacted and results of the exact cause of death are still pending. The young boy was described by family members as a "bright energetic boy" with a "heart of gold." The family says they are left "devastated."
"We need the cause, the reason to get out there in the media of what killed my grandson," Burns told the newspaper. "This is breaking us all but we want to help save other children's lives and give families awareness to keep their children safe."
She continued: "I have had so many messages from parents thanking me for making them aware."
