Ohio Teen Dies in Tragic TikTok ‘Benadryl Challenge’ Stunt

Originally published April 18, 2023 2:45 am PDT

Tragedy struck an Ohio family when 13-year-old Jacob Stevens lost his life after participating in a dangerous TikTok stunt known as the “Benadryl Challenge,” The New York Post reports.

The challenge involves taking 12 to 14 antihistamines, six times the recommended dosage, in order to induce hallucinations.

The stunt has been circulating on social media since 2020, with teens posting their attempts in search of online fame.

Jacob’s father, Justin Stevens, revealed that his son had been at home with friends when the overdose occurred.

Friends recorded footage of Jacob consuming the pills, after which his body began to seize.

“It was too much for his body,” the heartbroken father said.

Jacob was rushed to the hospital and placed on a ventilator, but despite medical intervention, he passed away six days later, according to The Post.

Justin described the day as the “worst day of his life” and went on to recall the heartbreaking moment he learned his son would never wake up.

“No brain scan, there was nothing there,” he said. “They said we could keep him on the vent, that he could lay there — but he will never open his eyes, he’ll never breathe, smile, walk or talk.”

Dianna Stevens, Jacob’s grandmother, tearfully vowed to do “anything I can to make sure another child doesn’t go through it.”

Jacob’s family remembers him as a well-mannered, funny, and loving young boy, The Post notes.

Justin emotionally recounted, “It didn’t matter how bad of a day I was having, no one could make me smile, Jacob could make me smile.”

Justin is now urging parents to be vigilant about their children’s social media usage.

“Keep an eye at what they’re doing on that phone,” he advised. “Talk to them about the situation. I want everyone to know about my son.”

Additionally, Justin has set a “life goal” to lobby for age restrictions on over-the-counter medications like Benadryl.

He is also calling on TikTok to implement stricter safety measures, such as requiring users to provide identification before creating an account.

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