US-based Nigerian boy,13, dies after ‘attempting viral social media challenge’

Monday, February 24, 2025 - A Southern California family is mourning the tragic loss of 13-year-old Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr., who they believe died after attempting a dangerous social media challenge similar to past trends that have claimed multiple young lives.

The teenager was found unresponsive in his bedroom in Murrieta on the morning of February 3, just a day after watching the Grammy Awards with his family.

His mother immediately performed CPR while his father, Nnamdi Ohaeri Sr., sought help from a neighbor and called emergency services. Despite their efforts, the boy was later pronounced dead.

While initial signs pointed to a possible suicide, his parents were unconvinced and began their own investigation. They soon discovered that their son may have been influenced by a hazardous social media challenge that dares participants to render themselves unconscious. The trend, similar to the infamous “Blackout Challenge,” has been linked to several deaths in recent years, raising concerns among parents and authorities.

 Ohaeri Jr. did not have social media accounts, and his phone was equipped with strict parental, leading his parents to suspect he learned about the challenge from classmates or friends.

The grieving family now hopes their son’s story will serve as a warning to other parents. They urge families to be vigilant about the content and trends their children may be exposed to, whether online or through peer influence.

Ohaeri Sr. reflected on the tragedy, acknowledging that while he had educated his sons about the dangers of drugs, he had not considered the risks of social media challenges.

“We don’t talk about not following social media trends or playing social media games,” he said. “And maybe we need to.”

As they struggle with grief and unanswered questions, the family hopes their devastating experience will encourage more parents to have open conversations with their children about the hidden dangers of social media and peer pressure.

Authorities have not yet released an official cause of death, and it remains unclear whether the incident is being investigated as a suicide or an accident. The Murrieta Police Department has not provided further details on the case.