Jacob Stevens, a 13-year-old who adored American football and was known for his kindness, tragically lost his life.
He fell victim to a dangerous online ‘challenge’ that has been circulating on social media platforms, leading to his untimely death.
Following this heartbreaking incident, Jacob’s father is raising awareness about the TikTok trend that influenced his son, as documented by ABC6.
In early April, Jacob engaged in the “Benadryl challenge,” a perilous game he learned about through social media.
This challenge entails ingesting excessive amounts of allergy medication to induce hallucinations.
Regrettably, another life has been claimed by this hazardous trend.
Back in the summer of 2020, a 15-year-old girl also lost her life after partaking in this challenge, according to a report by the Daily Mail. Now, Jacob Stevens, aged 13, has met the same unfortunate fate.
Justin, his father, is bravely speaking out to caution others and to honor his son’s memory.
Jacob consumed an alarming quantity of pills while being recorded.
“The amount he took at once was overwhelming for his body,” shares Justin Stevens with ABC6.
Justin portrays his son as well-mannered, humorous, kind-hearted, and a devoted American football player.
However, at the hospital, the devastating news arrived that his son would never awaken. Jacob was declared brain dead, and after six days on life support, the vibrant 13-year-old passed away.
“They informed us that he would never regain consciousness, breathe, smile, walk, or talk,” mourns Justin Stevens.
A Heartfelt Warning to Parents
Justin now urges parents to stay informed about the TikTok-originated challenge that impacted Jacob. He emphasizes the importance of monitoring children’s social media activities to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring.
“Supervise their phone usage and share Jacob’s story. I want everyone to understand what my son went through,” expresses Justin Stevens.
Simultaneously, Jacob’s aunt, Ashley Dean, has initiated a fundraiser for the family on GoFundMe. “This horrific ordeal should never have happened,” she writes.
Rest in peace, Jacob.
READ MORE: 12-year-old girl dies after TikTok challenge – ‘My family and I are devastated’
