A Worcester student died on Friday after he ate a spicy chip from some of the hottest chili peppers on earth, which his family believes is the cause of his death.
According to his GoFundMe page, Harris Wolobah took part in the “One Chip Challenge” by snack company Paqui, which this year involves eating a chip laced with Carolina Reaper and Scorpion peppers — some of the world’s spiciest.
While the autopsy has not yet been completed, Wolobah’s family members said in the GoFundMe that they suspect that is the cause.
“The pain our family is experiencing is unimaginable,” the Lama and Wolobah family wrote on GoFundMe. “Harris was a light that lit up the room with his presence and subtle charm. He was an intelligent, quirky and incredibly talented young man who loved video games and playing basketball!”
As of Monday morning, the GoFundMe had raised more than $18,000 toward its $30,000 goal.
Worcester Public Schools released a statement on Wolobah’s death on Facebook on Sunday evening.
“It is with a heavy heart I share that we lost a rising star, Harris Wolobah, who was a sophomore scholar at Doherty Memorial High School,” Worcester Schools Superintendent Rachel Monarrez said in the statement. “As a mother and educator, I cannot imagine how hard this is on his family, friends and teachers. My heart goes out to all who knew and loved him.”
After feeling sick from eating the chips, Wolobah went to the nurse’s office, officials told Boston 25 News. His parents then picked him up from Doherty Memorial High School and drove him home.
The police confirmed that Wolobah died at his home on Rustic Drive, Boston 25 News said.
Donations to Wolobah’s GoFundMe can be made here.
Story by Alvin Buyinza, MassLive.com.