Authorities in Ireland are launching an inquiry into the tragic death of a teenage girl who is believed to have fallen ill when she inhaled aerosol as part of a TikTok challenge.
Sarah Mescall, 14, of Kilnamona, died on Monday afternoon, three days after she was admitted to Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin, the Irish Independent reported.
The teen is thought to have collapsed while attempting the “chroming” TikTok challenge, which involves spraying aerosol onto a piece of clothing and wrapping it around your face, Extra.ie said.
She reportedly woke up briefly and told her mother what happened before losing consciousness again and being placed in an induced coma, the outlet explained.
“[Irish police] have notified the Coroner of the death of a girl (14) which occurred at Crumlin Children’s Hospital on the morning of Monday 25th September 2023,” the country’s authorities told Irish Independent Tuesday.
“[Irish police] focus is the preparation of an investigation file for the coroner.”
A spokesperson for TikTok also commented on Mescall’s death, saying the platform shared its “deepest sympathies” with the teen’s family, the outlet reported.
“Content of this nature is prohibited on our platform and would be removed if found,” the statement read.
“We will continue to prioritize protecting and supporting our community, working with expert partners and providing safety resources to those who need them.”
The spokesperson, however, also said that the aerosol stunt is “not a TikTok trend.”
Mescall is remembered by those who knew her as “such a lovely young girl” who was “lovable, kind, energetic & fun loving,” the Inagh-Kilnamona GAA Club wrote in a Facebook tribute Wednesday.
“There are no words to describe the shock & sadness of the community,” the post read.
“Sarah was only beginning on her journey of life…Now an angel in heaven, may she rest in peace.”
At the time of her death, Mescall was a second-year student at Coláiste Muire in Ennis, principal Jean Pound told RTE.
Critical counseling services are now in place for students and teachers as the community grieves the death, Pound added.
Mescall’s funeral mass is set for Friday evening at Kilnamona Church, according to her obituary.
In addition to her parents, the teen is survived by a brother and a sister.
TikTok challenges – and their deadly consequences – have been a major source of anxiety for millions of parents. Earlier this month, Boston teen Harris Wolobah died after attempting the “One Chip” challenge.