A Murrieta family is grappling with the tragic loss of their 13-year-old son, Nnamdi “Deuce” Ohaeri, Jr., who they believe died after attempting a dangerous social media challenge.
The teen, described as a fun-loving and athletic young boy, was found unresponsive in his room on the morning of Feb. 3, just hours after watching the Grammy Awards with his family.
Initially, his death appeared to be a suicide, per a KTLA report, but his parents questioned that conclusion, given his enthusiasm for the future. Their search for answers led them to a disturbing trend, games circulating among children that involve intentionally cutting off oxygen to induce unconsciousness. The Ohaeri family now believes Deuce fell victim to one of these challenges.
Similar challenges, including the widely known “Blackout Challenge,” have been linked to multiple child deaths in recent years. Parents across the country have filed lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the platform of exposing minors to dangerous trends. While Deuce’s parents say their son did not have social media, they fear he may have learned about the challenge at school.
As online trends continue to pose risks, experts urge parents to have open conversations with their children about the dangers of social media challenges and peer influence. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the Deuce Ohaeri death are ongoing.
