Lawsuit Filed Over Teen's Death After Spicy Chip Challenge

[Social Media]

 

In a tragic and controversial case, a lawsuit was filed on Thursday against Hershey, Walgreens, and other parties in connection with the death of a Massachusetts teenager, Harris Wolobah. The 10th grader from Worcester died on September 1, 2023, after participating in the "One Chip Challenge," a social media-promoted stunt involving the consumption of an extremely spicy tortilla chip.

 

The challenge, created by Paqui, a Texas-based subsidiary of Hershey Co., involved eating a single chip made with chile pepper extract and documenting the reaction online. An autopsy revealed that Harris died of cardiopulmonary arrest after ingesting the high-capsaicin chip. Capsaicin is the active component in chile peppers responsible for their heat. Additionally, Harris had a congenital heart defect, including cardiomegaly (an enlarged heart) and myocardial bridging of the left anterior descending coronary artery.

 

Douglas Sheff, one of the attorneys representing the Wolobah family, announced the wrongful death lawsuit in Suffolk Superior Court, seeking a judgment that includes punitive damages. Sheff emphasized that Paqui’s production and marketing of the spicy chip, combined with Walgreens’ sale of it to minors, created a "perfect storm" leading to Harris's death. "The defendants charged about $10 for each chip, $10 for the chip that killed Harris, $10 for his life," Sheff stated. He questioned the defendants' awareness of the chip's dangers and criticized the marketing campaign aimed at children.

 

Harris's parents, Lois and Amos Wolobah, attended the news conference but did not speak. They were visibly emotional, with Lois blowing a kiss to a photo of Harris. Despite the autopsy noting Harris’s heart condition, Sheff insisted, "The chip is what killed him."

 

Paqui expressed sorrow over Harris's death but pointed to the chip’s clear labeling, which warned that it was not suitable for children, those sensitive to spicy foods, or individuals with underlying health conditions. The chip, sold individually for about $10, came in a coffin-shaped box with warnings of "intense heat and pain," and was intended for adult consumption only. After reports of adverse reactions, Paqui worked with retailers to remove the product from shelves in September 2023, and the One Chip Challenge has since been discontinued.

 

Despite the warnings, children easily purchased the chips, leading to several incidents across the country where teens fell ill after participating in the challenge. In 2022, three California high school students were hospitalized, and seven Minnesota students received medical treatment after consuming the chip. The challenge involved eating the chip and enduring the intense heat without consuming other food or water, with many participants posting their reactions on social media. Videos showed people, including children, gagging, coughing, and begging for water, with numerous instances of sickness documented.

 

Harris Wolobah’s death prompted warnings from Massachusetts authorities and medical professionals, who cautioned that consuming extremely spicy foods could have serious health consequences, including allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, irregular heartbeats, and even heart attacks or strokes. Poison control centers echoed these concerns, highlighting the risks of high-capsaicin foods.

 

Sheff emphasized that the lawsuit aims to bring justice to the Wolobah family and serve as a warning against endangering children. "This is a case about protecting our children," he said, stressing the importance of accountability for those who put young lives at risk through reckless marketing and sales practices.

 

Credit: ABC News 2024-07-13

 

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[mikeymike100]

"Paqui expressed sorrow over Harris's death but pointed to the chip’s clear labeling, which warned that it was not suitable for children, those sensitive to spicy foods, or individuals with underlying health conditions."

 

Case Closed!

[impulse]

10 hours ago, Social Media said:

Additionally, Harris had a congenital heart defect, including cardiomegaly (an enlarged heart) and myocardial bridging of the left anterior descending coronary artery.

 

I wonder if there was some other intervening event in his life that may have caused or exacerbated the myocarditis?

 

[LosLobo]

1 hour ago, impulse said:

 

I wonder if there was some other intervening event in his life that may have caused or exacerbated the myocarditis?

 

Right!

[James105]

3 hours ago, impulse said:

 

I wonder if there was some other intervening event in his life that may have caused or exacerbated the myocarditis?

 

 

 Climate change?  

[chickenslegs]

13 hours ago, Social Media said:

Despite the warnings, children easily purchased the chips, leading to several incidents across the country where teens fell ill after participating in the challenge. In 2022, three California high school students were hospitalized, and seven Minnesota students received medical treatment after consuming the chip.

But no lessons were learned and, in 2023, this young boy was able to buy the chip which led to his death.

 

[digger70]

18 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

But no lessons were learned and, in 2023, this young boy was able to buy the chip which led to his death.

Same with anything that's illegal or dangerous .Kids/Young adults will go and Buy /Get /Or Steel it and use it being Cars /motorbikes /guns/Chemicals. 

So no difference .The Chip Is/Was advertised as Not Being for Kids /young adults  

In my opinion there's no need for a Law suit, that's just Bull Cr@p

 

18 hours ago, chickenslegs said: