In a tragic incident, a Massachusetts teenager has died after participating in the Paqui One Chip Challenge, according to autopsy results obtained by The Associated Press. The autopsy revealed that the teen, identified as Harris Wolobah, consumed a large quantity of chile pepper extract, which, combined with a congenital heart defect, may have led to his untimely death.

Harris, a 10th grader from Worcester, died on September 1, 2023, after taking part in the spicy tortilla chip challenge that gained popularity on social media. The manufacturer of the chip, Paqui, expressed deep sadness and extended condolences to the family and friends of Harris.

The autopsy conducted by the Chief Office of the Medical Examiner indicated that Harris experienced cardiopulmonary arrest shortly after ingesting the high capsaicin concentration of the chip. Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the spicy heat in chile peppers. The examination also revealed that Harris had an enlarged heart, known as cardiomegaly, as well as a congenital heart condition called "myocardial bridging of the left anterior descending coronary artery."

According to Dr. James Udelson, chief of cardiology at Tufts Medical Center, the myocardial bridging could have potentially caused abnormal blood flow and triggered a severe arrhythmia when Harris's heart was intensely stimulated by the capsaicin. Dr. Syed Haider, a cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, further noted that large doses of capsaicin can increase the pressure on the artery, potentially leading to serious heart problems.

While the autopsy results suggest that Harris's heart defect made him more vulnerable to the adverse effects of consuming excessive capsaicin, Dr. Haider emphasized that people without underlying risk factors can also experience severe heart issues from consuming large amounts of capsaicin.

The cause of Harris's death was determined on February 27, and the death certificate was released to the Worcester city clerk's office on March 5. However, the full report will not be made public, according to Elaine Driscoll, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

The Paqui chip, which was sold individually for around $10, came with explicit warnings that it was intended for adult consumption only and to be kept away from children. Despite these warnings, children were reportedly able to purchase the chips, and there have been previous incidents of teenagers falling ill after participating in the chip-eating challenge.

Responding to this concern, Paqui mentioned that the product had clear labeling highlighting its unsuitability for children or individuals sensitive to spicy foods or with underlying health conditions. The company decided to voluntarily remove the product from shelves in September 2023 and discontinued the One Chip Challenge.

The popularity of spicy food challenges, driven by social media, has been on the rise in recent years. Spicy wing challenges, chile pepper eating contests, and the online series "Hot Ones" have attracted participants from all walks of life. However, experts have started cautioning about the potential risks and unintended consequences of consuming highly spicy foods.

Harris's unfortunate death has prompted physicians and authorities in Massachusetts to issue warnings about the dangers associated with such challenges. Poison control centers have previously highlighted the potential for allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, and strokes due to the concentrated amounts of capsaicin.

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of caution and awareness when participating in food challenges or consuming spicy foods.