A 19-year-old Arizona woman’s pursuit of viral fame ended in heartbreak after she fell victim to a dangerous social media trend that has already put numerous other lives at risk.

Renna O’Rourke died on June 1 after inhaling keyboard cleaner in a social media challenge called “dusting,” leading to cardiac arrest and brain death, as the Daily Mail reports.

The teenager from Arizona, had been in the intensive care unit for four days before she was declared brain dead at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 1. Her family said she and her boyfriend used a food delivery app to have the aerosol product delivered to her home before participating in the trend.

According to her mother, Dana O’Rourke, the couple inhaled fumes from the canned air product in a behavior known as “dusting” or “huffing,” a part of a growing social media challenge also referred to as “chroming.” This practice involves breathing in chemicals from household aerosol products such as air fresheners, nail polish remover, and keyboard cleaners to achieve a quick high, often with tragic consequences.

Renna’s parents had never even heard of the trend until their daughter collapsed from cardiac arrest and had to be placed on life support. “She and her boyfriend had Door Dashed the product to my house and I didn't know,” Dana told a local news station. “It's keyboard cleaner. I didn't know what they were doing with it.”

Family sounds alarm on substance access

Renna’s mother is now warning other parents about the ease with which young people can purchase dangerous products. “There's no ID required. It's odorless. It's everything kids look for,” Dana said. “They can afford it, they can get it, and it doesn't show in mom and dad's drug test.”

Healthcare professionals are echoing the family's concerns. Dr. Randy Weisman of HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center explained the medical risks associated with inhaling gas-based chemicals. Such substances can deprive the body of oxygen and cause euphoria, but the side effects are far more dangerous, including the possibility of heart failure, liver failure, or permanent damage to the lungs.

In response to the tragedy, Renna’s family created a GoFundMe page to help offset the financial strain of her hospitalization and funeral. According to the fundraiser, her organ donations have already helped save at least six other lives. A family post described her as “the light in every room she walked into,” and shared the “immeasurable” grief they feel.

Online trends pushing teens toward danger

Medical professionals have been warning about “chroming” for months. Just last September, at the American Academy of Pediatrics’ annual conference, experts cited an alarming rise in online content pushing the dangerous trend.

Researchers analyzed 109 such videos on platforms like TikTok, which had amassed a combined 25 million views. The products shown in these clips included common household chemicals such as permanent markers, nail polish, air dusters, paint thinner, gasoline, and spray deodorants -- items often found in homes and stores without age restrictions.

More than half the videos showcased repeated use of these substances or made references to addiction. Despite the growing concerns, little has been done to regulate content promoting these substances or to ensure restricted access to vulnerable users, especially minors.

Family's words of caution

Renna’s father, Aaron O’Rourke, said his daughter had always dreamed of fame. “She always said, ‘I'm gonna be famous, Dad. Just you watch. I'm gonna be famous,’ he remembered. He added heartbreakingly, “And unfortunately, this is not under the most optimal of circumstances.”

Her mother, Dana, shared that the family will now dedicate their energy to raising awareness to spare others from similar grief. “We want to make sure that we use our tragedy so that no other parent has to experience looking at their child on life support and a ventilator and not breathing on her own, all because she huffed out of a can,” she said.

Amid the immense sorrow, the family is finding strength in Renna’s legacy and the lives her organ donations helped save. “Through that, we're finding strength and purpose,” said Dana. “She will be unbelievably missed, leaving the most aching hole in our lives.”

Lessons to learn

1. Access to common household chemicals must be documented and monitored. Parents and guardians should have conversations with their children about the risk of seemingly innocent products. Items like keyboard cleaners, air fresheners, and nail polish remover can be misused despite being easily accessible and legal to purchase.

2. Social media trends are not always harmless. Viral content on platforms like TikTok may encourage dangerous behavior. Teens seeking attention, fame, or thrills can fall victim to peer pressure and copycat behavior. Open dialogue about social media influence is essential in every household.

3. Even with education and prevention, risk remains. While we must do all we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones, no one is immune to the dangers posed by online fads or substance abuse. It is vital to remember that those who fall victim to these actions are not to blame, and compassion, not judgment, is what families need most.

Why this story matters

This story draws attention to the growing danger of viral internet challenges that glamorize risky behavior. It underscores the need for tighter safety regulations and parental awareness of what teens may be encountering online.

Additionally, it highlights the significance of open communication within families about substance abuse and the hidden risks of easily purchasable items. Renna’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that even the smartest, most vibrant young people can fall into the traps of online fame.