A 13-year-old boy died after attempting a viral TikTok challenge. Last week, the adolescent was taken off life support in a hospital after allegedly overdosing on over-the-counter medication. The ‘Benadryl Challenge’ involves swallowing 12 to 14 antihistamine pills – six times the normal dose – in order to create hallucinations. (Clonazepam)
It first appeared in 2020, prompting warnings from government agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration in September of that year. Jacob Stevens, Justin Stevens’ son, attempted the challenge earlier this month. He told ABC6 that after ingesting the drugs, the teenager began having seizures and ended up on life support.
Benadryl Challenge: The 13-year-old boy was in critical condition and was brought to the hospital
Six days later, he died after his parents made the heartbreaking decision to turn off his ventilator. Jacob was in the eighth grade at Greenfield McClain Middle School in Columbus, Ohio. His parents characterized him as a “well-mannered, funny, loving kid” who enjoyed music, sports, and hanging out with his friends in his obituary. Justin posted a photo of Jacob in his hospital bed on Facebook before his death as a warning to other parents.
He posted: “This is my 13-year-old son who is fighting to stay alive. This is due to the TikTok Benedryl challenge.”
“He and a couple of his friends thought it would be cool to do this challenge and this is the outcome of it.”
“It will take an act from God to bring him out of this. So, folks, if you have children or loved ones please share this picture with them in hopes that it will keep them from making this big mistake.”
Justin continued to provide updates on his son’s condition until he died on April 12. A fundraising campaign has been launched to assist with funeral expenses, with Jacob’s school and the surrounding community banding together to increase donations. Jacob’s funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, April 19.
