In September 2023, Harris Wolobah died after eating a corn chip dusted in Carolina Reaper pepper and Naga Viper pepper made by Paqui, LLC, Amplify Snack Brands, Inc., and The Hershey Company. Wolobah died taking part in the “One Chip Challenge,” and a wrongful death lawsuit ensued.
What Is the “One Chip Challenge?”
The “One Chip Challenge” is a viral trend involving extremely spicy chips. The chip brand Paqui advertised its “One Chip Challenge” on its own website, challenging consumers to eat one of the tortilla chips coated with flakes from incredibly spicy peppers. At one point, a warning was even added to the website, noting that children and people who are sensitive, allergic, and pregnant should not eat the chip.
The challenge was a hit, and even celebrities took part in it. However, over time, some participants required medical attention after eating the snack. But it remained popular on social media, where some kids and teenagers became influenced by the viral nature of the challenge.
One Chip Challenge Death
Sadly, on September 1, 2023, Wolobah complained about a severe stomachache after participating in the One Chip Challenge. His mother got a phone call from his school alerting her that her son had fainted after eating the chip his friend gave him, and he later passed out again at home and was taken to the hospital, CBS News reported.
Unfortunately, the teenager passed away, and an autopsy concluded that Harris died of cardiopulmonary arrest “in the setting of recent ingestion of food substance with high capsaicin concentration.” Although the medical examiner also found Harris had an enlarged heart and a congenital heart defect, his family moved forward with a wrongful death lawsuit, as their attorney claimed the condition was so mild his parents weren’t aware of it and it never came up during routine physicals.
The family’s lawsuit alleges the chip contained a dangerous level of capsaicin and that the manufacturers knowingly sold an unreasonably dangerous product that was marketed to children.
Potential Health Effects
The National Capital Poison Center reports on its website that people should “Use caution when participating in social media challenges such as the One Chip Challenge, as harmful or unexpected side effects may occur.”
Some of the health impacts the Poison Control warns consumers to watch out for – and notes to seek medical help immediately if they develop – following capsaicin consumption include chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe headache, or other unexpected symptoms. Serious medical emergencies, including severe gastrointestinal distress and heart complications, are linked to the challenge.
Paqui voluntarily removed the product from shelves in September 2023 and discontinued the One Chip Challenge, but for many, the damage was already done.
Get Legal Assistance for Unsafe Product Injuries
If you or a loved one has been affected by the dangers of this challenge, such as being injured and suffering a major health concern after eating the chip in question, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights. Our firm has experience in wrongful death lawsuits related to hazardous consumer products, and our team may be able to help.
We are dedicated to seeking justice and holding responsible parties accountable for the harm caused by their products. Manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are safe and to warn consumers of potential risks – even if the products are caught up in a viral social media challenge influencing adolescents. When those duties are neglected, and harm results, victims or their families may be entitled to compensation.
What happened in the Wolobah wrongful death case is incredibly tragic and our hearts go out to his family. If you or your loved one also suffered harm after participating in the same challenge, our experienced attorneys will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your case, gather evidence, and fight for you.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss how we can support you in holding those responsible accountable. Seeking justice through personal injury litigation on behalf of our clients is our top priority. Call us now at 602-222-2222 to learn more.
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