The Ohaeri family of Southern California is mourning the loss of their 13-year-old son, Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr., who tragically died after participating in a dangerous social media challenge. The young teen was found unresponsive in his bedroom on the morning of February 3, just a day after enjoying time with his family while watching the Grammy Awards. His parents, shocked and devastated, are now on a mission to raise awareness about the risks associated with online trends.
Nnamdi Jr.’s mother immediately performed CPR when she found her son, while his father, Nnamdi Ohaeri Sr., called for emergency assistance. Despite their efforts, Nnamdi Jr. was later pronounced dead. Initial investigations suggested the possibility of suicide, but his parents were skeptical. They discovered that Nnamdi Jr. may have been influenced by a hazardous social media challenge circulating among his peers.
Similar to the infamous “Blackout Challenge,” this trend dares participants to render themselves unconscious. This dangerous game has been linked to several deaths in recent years, sparking warnings from parents and authorities alike. Despite Nnamdi Jr. not having social media accounts and his phone being equipped with strict parental controls, his parents believe he learned about the challenge from classmates or friends.
The grieving parents hope their son’s story will serve as a wake-up call for other families. They urge parents to be vigilant about the content and trends their children may encounter, whether online or through peer interactions. “We don’t talk about not following social media trends or playing social media games,” Ohaeri Sr. reflected. “And maybe we need to.”
In the aftermath of their son’s death, the family is grappling with guilt and unanswered questions. “I’m going through the Rolodex of guilt now, wondering if we checked in enough or if I should have been less strict years ago,” Ohaeri Sr. shared. They hope their heartbreaking experience will encourage other parents to have open conversations with their children about the hidden risks of social media and peer pressure.
Authorities have not yet released an official cause of death, and it remains unclear whether the incident is being investigated as a suicide or an accidental result of the social media challenge. The Murrieta Police Department has not provided further details on the case.
