Children sometimes don’t realize how dangerous online trends can be. Sadly, a family is facing a heartbreaking tragedy because of something that happened to their young son. Now they want to warn others about it.
An 11-year-old boy named Tommie-Lee Billington from Lancaster, England passed away because of a dangerous trend on TikTok. This trend led to the deaths of two teenage girls as well. The family is urging parents to talk to their kids so that no one else gets hurt by these risky challenges.
It began when 11-year-old Tommie was at a friend’s house for a sleepover last Saturday. They saw a challenge on TikTok and decided to try it. The challenge involved inhaling harmful gases or solvents like dry shampoo, spray deodorant, and glue to get high.
Soon after participating in this trend, Tommie’s heart stopped suddenly. Medical experts say he died instantly. Now, his family is grieving over the tragic loss of the young boy.
His mother, Sherry, has urged other parents to talk to their children and stop their children from using TikTok. She took her plea to Facebook, writing, “This cost my son his life from trying something other kids are doing. Please talk to your children about the consequences of this. It is beyond me why anyone would even try this! It’s so dangerous!”
“I have never felt pain like this. My whirlwind. I just love you so much mate. My baby boy. You will forever be in my heart. I will make sure to the best of my ability that your name and your beautiful face will become the reason that other children’s lives will be saved and other families don’t have to suffer this deep, deep hurt,” she writes on her Facebook page.
Rest in peace, Tommie. All our thoughts are with the family in this difficult time. Now, let’s work together to spread this incredibly important message so that no other children try this life-threatening trend!