Tributes are pouring in for an 11-year-old boy who tragically died after taking part in a dangerous new chroming trend.
Tommie-Lee Gracie Billington’s heartbroken family is urging parents to educate their children about the devastating consequences of the social media craze following their loss.
The schoolboy’s grief-stricken grandmother, Tina Burns, claims he died ‘instantly’ after trying out the concerning trend.
She said: “Tommie-Lee went into cardiac arrest immediately and died right there and then. The hospital did everything to try and bring him back but nothing worked. He was gone.”
Paying tribute to her grandson, Burns said the 11-year-old had a ‘heart of gold’ and was ‘a bright, energetic boy.’
She told the Lancashire Post: “We don’t want any other children to follow TikTok or be on social media.
“In fact, we want to get TikTok taken down and no children to be allowed on any social media under 16 years of age.”
Tommie-Lee’s heartbroken mother also urges parents to reconsider their children’s social media usage.
She wrote on Facebook: “As much as I hate talking about it, I need to raise awareness of what kids are trying nowadays. This cost my son his life from trying something other kids are doing.
“Please talk to your children about the consequences of this. It is beyond me why anyone would even try this! It’s so dangerous!”
Burns says Tommie Lee’s family wants to ‘help save other children’s lives,’ adding that parents have already thanked her for raising awareness.
Tommie-Lee was found unresponsive at a friend’s house in Lancaster on March 2.
A Lancashire Police spokesperson states (per Lancashire Telegraph): “Emergency services attended an address and found an 11-year-old boy unresponsive.
“Sadly he was later pronounced dead. The death is currently being treated as unexplained and the coroner has been informed.
“A police investigation is ongoing and the boy’s family are being supported by officers.
“Our thoughts are with the boy’s loved ones at this incredibly sad time. If anyone has any information they are asked to contact police.”
During an inquest into Tommie-Lee’s death at Preston Coroners Court, it emerged that police were treating the boy’s death as unexplained, with whether he inhaled substances being one line of inquiry, reports the BBC.
The coroner confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances
In June, the BBC reported that two individuals had been questioned following the 11-year-old’s passing.
A 25-year-old man from Lancaster was questioned over allegations of child abuse, neglect, possession of drugs with intent to supply, and money laundering.
He was released on bail.
A 35-year-old woman from Lancaster was also questioned concerning allegations of possession with intent to supply.
A Lancashire police spokesperson says she has been released under investigation pending further inquiries.
The schoolboy’s family suspects that Tommie-Lee died after taking part in a dangerous TikTok craze called chroming.
Chroming is the general term to describe inhaling volatile substances/solvents as recreational drugs, per The Royal Children’s Hospital.
A GoFundMe page for Tommie Lee’s funeral surpassed its £3,000 target, raising over £4,800.
The fundraiser’s description said any additional funds would be donated to the Co-Operative Funeral Directors for a headstone or memorial and to the school the 11-year-old attended.