Boy, 11, dies after allegedly taking part in ‘chroming’ trend
An 11-year-old British boy has tragically passed away allegedly after a 'social media challenge' went wrong.
Tommie-Lee Gracie Billington's family broke the news on Saturday that the youngster had suffered a suspected cardiac arrest after taking part in the dangerous 'social media' challenge known as 'chroming'.
For those unfamiliar with this potentially-fatal online craze, chroming sees people sniffing toxic chemicals - including paint, aerosols and cleaning products - in order to achieve a short-term 'high'.
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The chemical fumes affect the body's central nervous system and slows down the brain, potentially leading to the likes of dizziness, hallucinations, vomiting, heart attacks, suffocation, as well as permanently brain, liver or kidney damage.
Tommie-Lee's devastated grandmother Tina Burns has since spoken out about the Lancaster-born boy's passing, explaining that the family believe he attempted the dangerous stunt while staying at a friend's house.
He was later found unresponsive by paramedics at the property.
North West Ambulance Service called local police to the scene shortly after 12.00pm on Saturday, with the boy quickly being rushed to hospital before being pronounced dead.
"The boys had tried the TikTok craze 'chroming'," Tina told press. "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."
TikTok has denied any affiliation with the social media trend.
A representative of Lancashire Police has also released a statement on the Tommie-Lee's heartbreaking passing.
"We were called by the ambulance service at 12:04pm on Saturday, March 2, to an address on Greenset Close in Lancaster to a report of a sudden death.
"Emergency services attended an address and found an 11 year old boy unresponsive. Sadly he was later pronounced dead. The death is currently being treated as unexplained and the Coroner has been informed."
The statement continued: "A police investigation is ongoing and the boy's family are being supported by officers. Our thoughts are with the boy's loved ones at this incredibly sad time."
Tina is now urging social media bosses to 'do more' in order to protect young users from life-threatening trends, and wants children under the age of 16 to be banned from using it altogether.
"Both our families are utterly devastated but we all want the same thing. We don't want any other children to follow TikTok or be on social media."
She went on: "This is breaking us all but we want to help save other children's lives and give families awareness to keep their children safe. I have had so many messages from parents thanking me for making them aware."
Tommie-Lee's mother Sherri - with whom the youngster lived - is also using her loss to emphasise the risk that these toxic chemicals can have if they fall into the wrong hands, warning parents to 'hide all deodorants from their children' so they can't take part in the so-called challenge.
She wrote on Facebook: "As much as I hate talking about it, I need to raise awareness of what kids are trying nowadays.
"Please, please, please hide all deodorants from your children. This cost my son his life from trying something other kids are doing. They are using this and breathing them in to try get a buzz."
A GoFundMe page has since be set up in Tommie-Lee's honour, aiming to accumulate some funds to support the family he has left behind.
"I'm sure your all aware of the untimely passing of this gorgeous little boy," the page reads.
"I would like to raise funds towards his funeral expenses to help his loving family out. Any donation would be very much appreciated. R.I.P Tommy darling x"
Tyla has contacted TikTok for further comment.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Topics: UK News, Social media
Rhianna Benson