The boy died on Saturday after a social media video “chromed” him.
An 11-year-old boy, Tommie-Lee Gracie Billington, died after inhaling toxic chemicals during a social media challenge called “Chrome.”The incident reportedly took place in Lancaster, England era.
Tommy Lee was at a friend’s house when they attempted the challenge. Chrome plating involves inhaling the fumes of household products like paint thinner and cleaning supplies to get high. The practice is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health problems, including cardiac arrest, which is believed to have happened to Tommy Lee, according to the agency. news media.
Grieving families have urged social media platforms to take stricter measures to protect children. Tommy Lee’s grandmother, Tina Burns, said she believes social media companies should be held accountable or even shut down to prevent similar tragedies from happening.
“He died immediately after a sleepover at a friend’s house. The boys were trying out the ‘chrome’ craze of TikTok,” said the boy’s grandmother, Tina Burns.
“Tommy Lee went into immediate cardiac arrest and died at the scene. The hospital tried their best to revive him, but to no avail. He was gone.”
“He had a heart of gold, just like his father. Our family is completely devastated,” she added.
The growing popularity of chrome videos on social media has led to a worrying trend that has resulted in the deaths of countless teenagers around the world. Tommie-Lee’s family believes that the social media platform should take stronger measures to ensure user safety and, in extreme cases, even consider shutting down to prevent further tragic incidents involving children.
“Both of our families are absolutely devastated, but we all want the same thing,” Burns said, referring to the family of Tommy Lee’s friend. “We don’t want any other kids following TikTok or being on social media.”
