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A 13-year-old dies after participating in a Benadryl TikTok ‘challenge’

By Eric November 17, 2025

A tragic incident has unfolded in Ohio, where a 13-year-old boy lost his life after participating in a perilous TikTok challenge involving the consumption of a large quantity of Benadryl, an over-the-counter antihistamine. Reports from local news outlets and a GoFundMe page established by the boy’s family reveal that he ingested a significant amount of the medication in an attempt to replicate a viral trend that has been gaining traction on social media platforms. The challenge, which encourages users to take excessive doses of Benadryl to induce hallucinations, has raised serious concerns among parents, educators, and health professionals regarding the potential dangers of viral online trends.

The young boy’s family has described him as a vibrant and loving child, full of energy and dreams. In the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, they have taken to social media to raise awareness about the risks associated with such challenges, urging other parents to engage in open conversations with their children about the dangers of experimenting with substances for the sake of social media fame. The family’s GoFundMe page not only aims to cover funeral expenses but also serves as a poignant reminder of the real-life consequences that can stem from seemingly harmless online challenges.

This incident underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and education surrounding the influence of social media on youth behavior. Experts have noted that the allure of viral challenges can sometimes overshadow the inherent risks, leading young individuals to make impulsive decisions without fully understanding the potential consequences. As discussions around digital safety and mental health continue to evolve, this tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of the importance of parental guidance and the need for responsible social media use among teenagers.

A 13-year-old in Ohio has died after “he took a bunch of Benadryl,” trying a dangerous TikTok challenge that’s circulating online, according to a CNN affiliate and a GoFundMe account from his family.

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