Credit: Facebook
Heartbroken Parents Issue Urgent Warning After Teenage Daughter Dies From ‘Dusting’
A 19-year-old has tragically died after participating in the social media challenge called ‘dusting.’
The parents of Renna O’Rourke, of Arizona, U.S., have issued an urgent warning about the viral TikTok trend, also known as chroming or huffing.
The teenager’s dad, Aaron O’Rourke, told 12 News: “She always said, ‘I’m going to be famous, Dad. Just you watch. I’m going to be famous,’ and unfortunately, this is not under the most optimal of circumstances.”
The 19-year-old, who was described as ‘vivacious and caring and loyal,’ went into cardiac arrest and was then rushed to the hospital.
She remained unconscious in the intensive care unit for a week before being declared brain-dead.
Renna died of sudden sniffing death syndrome, which refers to an abrupt death caused by inhalant abuse.
The ‘dusting’ trend involves inhaling common household items to get high for views online.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, inhalants can ‘induce mind-altering effects’ and ‘have many short and long-term effects and can be very dangerous.’
The teen and her boyfriend reportedly DoorDashed aerosol keyboard cleaner to her parents’ home without her mom’s knowledge, reports The Independent.
Renna then went into cardiac arrest after inhaling the keyboard cleaner.
Now, the teen’s parents want to honor Renna by spreading the word about the dangers of ‘dusting.’
The girl’s mom, Dana O’Rourke, said: “There’s no ID required. It’s odorless. It’s everything kids look for. They can afford it, they can get it, and it doesn’t show in mom and dad’s drug test.”
She added: “Don’t take your kid’s word for it. Dig deep. Search their rooms. Don’t trust – and that sounds horrible, but it could save their life.”
A GoFundMe has been launched to help the O’Rourke family with hospital bills, burial, and therapy costs, in addition to spreading awareness about ‘dusting.’
Its goal was to reach $5,000, and at the time of writing, it has surpassed $12,000.
Tributes on the page read: “So deeply sorry to hear of your loss,” and “I’m so sorry for your loss, Renna was such a sweet girl.”
You can donate to the Love and Legacy for Renna GoFundMe here.
Related Article: Influencer, 19, Plunges To Death After ‘Unfastening Harness During Panic Attack’ On Parasail
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