A Southern California family is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 13-year-old Nnamdi Ohaeri Jr., also known as “Deuce,” who they believe died after attempting a dangerous social media challenge.
A Bright Young Life Cut Short
Deuce, the eldest of four siblings, had a passion for music and sports, especially football. Coming from a military family in Murrieta, he was known for his sharp wit and sense of humor.
His father, Nnamdi Ohaeri Sr., recalled their last evening together on February 2, watching the Grammys, with Deuce excitedly cheering for Kendrick Lamar’s wins.
But by the next morning, tragedy struck—Deuce was found unresponsive in his room. His mother performed CPR, while his father called 911 and rushed for help. Despite their desperate efforts, he was pronounced dead.
Did a Social Media Challenge Lead to His Death?
Initially, Deuce’s death seemed inexplicable. His parents, who described him as a child full of excitement for the future, were left searching for answers.
They later discovered that Deuce may have attempted a social media challenge where children deliberately make themselves pass out. Although he had no social media accounts and strict parental controls on his phone, his parents suspect he may have learned about the trend from classmates.
Similar challenges, like the infamous “Blackout Challenge,” have been linked to multiple child deaths, sparking lawsuits against TikTok and other platforms for failing to curb these dangerous trends.
A Heartbroken Family’s Warning to Parents
Struggling with grief and unanswered questions, Deuce’s parents are now urging others to be more vigilant about social media influences.
“I’ve always talked about making good decisions, avoiding drugs, and staying safe,” Ohaeri Sr. said. “But we don’t often talk about the dangers of social media trends—and maybe we need to.”
The family recently held a funeral and celebration of life for Deuce, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming community support. Now, they hope their story will raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families.
Parents, stay informed! Talk to your children about social media risks and encourage open conversations about peer pressure and online challenges.