Nigerian boy dies in US after alleged participation in social media challenge
By Jeffery Agbo
A family in Southern California is mourning the tragic loss of 13-year-old Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr., who they believe died after attempting a hazardous social media challenge similar to past viral trends that have claimed several young lives.
On the morning of February 3, Ohaeri Jr. was found unresponsive in his bedroom in Murrieta, just one day after enjoying time with his family watching the Grammy Awards, KTLA reported.
His mother immediately began CPR, while his father, Nnamdi Ohaeri Sr., sought help from a neighbour and contacted emergency services. Despite their efforts, the teen was later pronounced dead.
Initial indications suggested the possibility of suicide, but his parents remained doubtful. Determined to uncover the truth, they launched their own investigation and soon discovered that their son may have been influenced by a dangerous challenge circulating among his peers.
The challenge, reportedly similar to the notorious “Blackout Challenge,” dares participants to briefly cut off their own oxygen supply to induce unconsciousness—a dangerous stunt linked to multiple fatalities in recent years.
However, Ohaeri Jr. didn’t have any social media accounts, and his phone had strict parental controls in place. His parents now believe he might have learned about the challenge through friends or classmates.
READ MORE:
Nigerian netizens clinch fifth spot in social media consumption worldwide
The grieving family hopes that sharing their story will raise awareness and encourage parents to stay vigilant about the trends their children might encounter—whether online or through peer interactions.
Ohaeri Sr. reflected on the tragedy, acknowledging that although he had previously discussed issues like drug use with his sons, the potential dangers of viral social media challenges had never crossed his mind.
“We don’t talk about not following social media trends or playing social media games,” he said. “And maybe we need to.”
In the wake of their son’s sudden death, the family is left wrestling with guilt and lingering questions.
“I’m going through the Rolodex of guilt now, wondering if we checked in enough or if I should have been less strict years ago,” Ohaeri Sr. shared.
Now, they hope their devastating experience will inspire other parents to have open and honest conversations with their children about the hidden dangers of social media and the pressure to conform to risky trends.
Authorities have yet to release an official cause of death, and it remains unclear whether the incident is being investigated as a suicide or an accidental result of the social media challenge. The Murrieta Police Department has not provided additional details at this time.
