A heartbroken California family is speaking out after their 13-year-old son, Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr., died in a tragic incident that may be linked to a hazardous social media challenge.
The teen was found unresponsive in his bedroom in Murrieta on February 3, just a day after spending time with his family watching the Grammy Awards. Despite his parents’ desperate attempts to revive him, Ohaeri Jr. was pronounced dead.
While initial investigations suggested possible suicide, Ohaeri Jr.’s parents were skeptical and launched their own inquiry. They soon discovered that their son may have been influenced by a social media challenge similar to the notorious “Blackout Challenge,” which encourages participants to intentionally cut off oxygen to the brain.
This challenge has been tied to multiple young deaths in recent years, prompting urgent warnings from parents, authorities, and experts.
“We had no idea he was exposed to this,” said Ohaeri Sr., the teen’s father. “We need to have more conversations with our kids about social media safety.”
Ohaeri Jr.’s parents are now advocating for greater awareness and vigilance among parents, educators, and authorities to prevent similar tragedies.
“We don’t want any other family to go through this,” said Ohaeri Sr. “We need to work together to keep our kids safe.”
The official cause of death has not been released, and authorities have not confirmed whether the incident is being investigated as a suicide or an accidental result of the social media challenge. The Murrieta Police Department is investigating the case.
