A Southern California family is mourning the heartbreaking loss of their 13-year-old son, Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr., who they believe fell victim to a dangerous viral social media challenge.
The tragedy unfolded on the morning of February 3, just hours after the family had spent an evening watching the Grammy Awards together. The young boy, affectionately known as “Deuce” by his loved ones, was found unresponsive in his bedroom—a devastating discovery that has left his parents searching for answers.
His mother, in a frantic bid to save her son, performed CPR, while his father, Nnamdi Ohaeri Sr., rushed to seek help from neighbors and emergency responders. Despite their efforts, the teenager was later pronounced dead.
Initially, the circumstances surrounding Deuce’s death were unclear, leading some to suspect suicide. However, his parents refused to accept this narrative. Their own investigation uncovered a chilling possibility—that their son had attempted a social media stunt gone horribly wrong.
Deuce’s parents believe he may have learned about a dangerous online trend that encourages participants to intentionally cut off their oxygen supply to experience a brief high—a phenomenon that has claimed multiple young lives worldwide.
“I heard something about young people trying to make themselves pass out, thinking they’d snap back out of it,” said Ohaeri Sr.
Despite the family’s strict digital safeguards—Deuce had no social media accounts, and his phone was under parental control—they now suspect he may have heard about the challenge at school or through peers.
Deuce, the eldest of four brothers, had a deep love for music and sports, especially football. Being raised in a military family in Murrieta, California, he cherished family moments and had a sharp wit and infectious sense of humor.
“He was full of life—a smart, happy, and athletic kid,” his grieving father shared.
The devastating incident has reignited concerns about dangerous social media challenges, particularly on TikTok, where trends like the “Blackout Challenge” have been linked to multiple deaths. The platform is already facing lawsuits from bereaved parents who claim their children were lured into deadly fads.
As the Ohaeri family grapples with this unimaginable loss, they urge parents, educators, and policymakers to take greater action in shielding children from harmful internet content.
Deuce’s funeral and celebration of life were marked by an overwhelming display of love and support from friends, family, and the local community. His parents, though heartbroken, remain determined to raise awareness about the hidden dangers lurking behind viral internet trends.
“We always taught our kids to be cautious,” his father said. “But even the most vigilant parents can’t control everything.”
As they lay their beloved son to rest, the Ohaeris hope that no other family will have to endure the same tragic fate.
PIONEER NEWS 