A 13-year-old boy died in Southern California after allegedly attempting a dangerous social media trend, often referred to as the “Blackout Challenge.” Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr. was found unresponsive in his bedroom on February 3.
His parents, Nnamdi Ohaeri Sr. and his wife, found him. His mother performed CPR. His father called 911 and sought help from a neighbor. Despite their efforts, the teen was pronounced dead. The “Blackout Challenge” encourages participants to restrict their breathing until passing out.
Initially, there was consideration of suicide, but the parents doubted this. They investigated. Their search led them to suspect a social media challenge. The family believes Nnamdi Jr. may have learned about the deadly “Blackout Challenge” from classmates, although He had no social media accounts, and his phone had parental controls.
“We don’t talk about not following social media trends,” Ohaeri Sr. said. “And maybe we need to.” This challenge has been reported in connection with other deaths. Parents and authorities have issued warnings.
The family now wants to prevent similar incidents. “I’m going through the Rolodex of guilt now, wondering if we checked in enough,” Ohaeri Sr. stated.
The parents urge families to stay alert to risks. These risks include both online dangers and peer pressure. They hope their son’s death will make parents talk openly about dangerous viral trends like the “Blackout Challenge”.
