13-Year-Old Black Teen Dies After Alleged Viral Social Media Challenge Attempt

Nationwide — Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr., a 13-year-old African American boy from California, died after allegedly attempting a dangerous social media challenge. His parents believe the challenge, similar to the “Blackout Challenge” that has claimed lives before, led to his tragic death.

According to People, Ohaeri Jr. was found unresponsive in his bedroom in Murrieta on February 3rd. The night before, he had spent time with his parents watching the Grammy Awards. His mother attempted CPR while his father called for help, but the teen could not be revived.

Initially, his parents thought he may have taken his own life. However, after looking into the circumstances, they suspect he was influenced by a social media challenge. The challenge, which encourages participants to make themselves unconscious, mirrors the “Blackout Challenge” that caused several deaths in the past.

Although Ohaeri Jr. had strict parental controls on his phone and no social media accounts, his parents believe he learned about the challenge from classmates. Authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of death.

His parents are now urging other families to monitor what their children are exposed to online and among their peers. Ohaeri Sr. expressed deep regret for not discussing the dangers of online challenges with his sons earlier.

“I’m going through the Rolodex of guilt now like, ‘Did we check in more? Should I have not been as firm four years ago?’” Ohaeri Sr. said.

Ohaeri Jr. was described as a vibrant, talented teen who loved music, sports, and football. His father, grieving the loss, hopes his son’s story will raise awareness about the risks of social media trends.

A GoFundMe campaign in his honor has raised over $75,000 to support the family.