Murrieta, California – A Nigerian family in the United States is grieving the tragic loss of their 13-year-old son, Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr., who is believed to have died after attempting a dangerous social media challenge.
On the morning of February 3, 2025, Ohaeri Jr., affectionately known as ‘Deuce,’ was found unresponsive in his bedroom. His parents had spent the previous evening watching the Grammy Awards together as a family. In a frantic effort to save him, his mother administered CPR while his father, Nnamdi Ohaeri Sr., sought help from a neighbor and the police. Despite these efforts, the young boy was later pronounced dead.
Initially, his death was suspected to be a suicide. However, his parents conducted their own investigation and discovered that he had learned about a viral social media challenge that involved intentionally causing oneself to pass out. They now believe this challenge led to his death.
Ohaeri Jr., the eldest of four brothers, had a deep passion for music and sports, particularly football. Coming from a military family, he valued time spent with loved ones and had a sharp sense of humor.
His parents revealed that Deuce did not have social media accounts, and his phone was under strict parental controls. They suspect he may have learned about the challenge from school peers.
The tragedy highlights the dangers of viral challenges, including the widely known “Blackout Challenge,” which has been linked to multiple deaths worldwide. This challenge, among others, encourages participants to hold their breath until they lose consciousness due to a lack of oxygen. Social media platform TikTok has faced multiple lawsuits from parents whose children have died attempting such trends.
Still struggling with unanswered questions, Deuce’s parents continue to seek clarity on the events leading to their son’s death. They emphasize the importance of educating children about the risks of online trends and monitoring their exposure to harmful influences.
The family has since held a funeral and a celebration of life for Deuce, thanking their community for the overwhelming support they have received during this difficult time.
