12-year-old boy dies from butane gas inhalation after participating in TikTok "Chroming" challenge in Manchester

Summary

A 12-year-old boy from Hyde, Manchester, died after inhaling butane gas from a deodorant can in what is believed to be an attempt to participate in a viral TikTok challenge known as "Chroming" or "Huffing." The incident occurred on the night of May 5, when Oliver Gorman returned home from a family vacation and was later found unconscious in his room. An autopsy confirmed that he died from inhaling butane gas, which can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Several empty deodorant cans from commercial brands were found in his room. Authorities suggested the challenge, which is presented on TikTok as a simple "endurance game," may have influenced the boy’s actions. Oliver’s family has since launched an awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of such online challenges.