A Southern California family is mourning the heartbreaking loss of their 13-year-old son, Nnamdi Ohaeri Jr., who they believe died after attempting a dangerous social media challenge. Known as “Deuce” to his loved ones, he was the eldest of four siblings and had a deep passion for music and sports, especially football.

Growing up in a military family in Murrieta, Deuce was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. His father, Nnamdi Ohaeri Sr., described him as a joyful and bright child. On February 2, the family had spent a typical Sunday together, watching the Grammys, where Deuce was excited to see Kendrick Lamar winning multiple awards. However, the following morning, their world was shattered when they found him unresponsive in his room. His mother performed CPR while his father called 911 and sought help from a neighbor, but despite their desperate efforts, Deuce could not be revived.

Initially, it seemed as though Deuce had taken his own life, but his parents struggled to accept that possibility, believing he had too much excitement for the future. As they searched for answers, they learned about a social media trend where children attempt to make themselves pass out. Ohaeri Sr. recalled hearing about similar cases and began to suspect that Deuce might have been influenced by classmates, as he did not have social media accounts and his phone had strict parental controls.

This tragic incident mirrors the dangers of viral social media trends like the “Blackout Challenge,” which has been widely criticized for encouraging users to hold their breath until they lose consciousness. Several child deaths have been linked to this trend, prompting lawsuits against TikTok from grieving families.

Now, Deuce’s parents are left grappling with unanswered questions, wondering if they could have done more to prevent this tragedy. “I’m going through the Rolodex of guilt now, like, ‘Did we check in more? Should I have handled things differently?’” Ohaeri Sr. reflected. Determined to raise awareness, the family is sharing their story as a warning to other parents, emphasizing the need for conversations about the hidden dangers of social media trends. “We talk to our kids about drugs and making good decisions, but we don’t always talk about not following social media trends or games. Maybe we need to,” he said.

Recently, the family held a funeral and celebration of life for Deuce, overwhelmed by the love and support from their community. Through their grief, they hope that by speaking out, they can help prevent another family from experiencing the same devastating loss.