Boy, 11, passes away during sleepover after doing new chroming trend
The death of 11-year-old Tommie-Lee Gracie Billington has left an entire community devastated and reignited calls for stronger action against dangerous social media trends. The young boy from Lancaster, UK, tragically lost his life after taking part in a viral challenge known as “chroming,” a disturbing practice that involves inhaling toxic chemicals for a temporary high.
Tommie-Lee was found unresponsive at a friend’s house during a sleepover on March 2, 2024. What began as an innocent night among friends turned into an unimaginable tragedy. His family says he went into cardiac arrest immediately after inhaling the substance and could not be revived despite desperate efforts by paramedics and hospital staff.
His grandmother, Tina Burns, recalled the horrific moment they learned the truth. “Tommie-Lee went into cardiac arrest instantly and died right there and then,” she said. “The hospital did everything they could to bring him back, but nothing worked. He was gone.”
According to The Royal Children’s Hospital, chroming involves inhaling or “sniffing” household products such as aerosol sprays, paint thinners, or deodorants. These substances starve the brain of oxygen and can cause immediate heart failure, even after a single attempt.
“Please Talk to Your Children”
Tommie-Lee’s mother, Sherri-Ann Gracie, has spoken out publicly, urging parents to educate their children about the deadly risks of online trends. “My son was a loving boy — full of energy, always laughing, always kind,” she said. “He was the life and soul of our home. Now there’s just silence where his laughter used to be.”
Her grief has turned into determination to raise awareness. She said she’s angry that harmful videos promoting these behaviors remain easily accessible on TikTok and other platforms. “They really need to do more before this happens to any other child,” she said. “I don’t want another parent to go through this. It’s left a huge hole in our hearts.”
In a plea to parents and guardians everywhere, she added, “Please talk to your children about what they see online. They think they’re invincible. They don’t understand that something as simple as trying a challenge could cost them their life. My Tommie-Lee didn’t know. He thought it was just fun.”
A Family Torn Apart
Those who knew Tommie-Lee describe him as bright, outgoing, and full of life. His older sister, Crystal, said they were inseparable. “We did everything together,” she shared through tears. “He was my best friend as much as my little brother.”
Crystal said she has reported several dangerous videos to social media platforms since her brother’s death, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing the same pain. “No video, no likes, no followers are worth a life,” she said. “If you see something dangerous online, report it immediately. Don’t just scroll past.”
The family has since been flooded with messages of support from across the UK and beyond. A GoFundMe campaign launched to help with funeral expenses raised more than £4,800, reflecting the depth of public sympathy. At the funeral, hundreds gathered to honor the boy’s memory, releasing balloons into the sky in his favorite color — blue.
A Tragic Trend
Chroming, though not new, has resurfaced on social media platforms in recent years under different names. Experts warn that children and teens often underestimate how dangerous inhaling fumes can be. The chemicals in deodorants, aerosols, and glues can cause sudden cardiac arrest, suffocation, and permanent brain damage.
Health professionals emphasize that even a single attempt can be fatal. “Inhalants act on the central nervous system immediately,” said Dr. Rebecca Shaw of The Royal Children’s Hospital. “They can disrupt heart rhythms, lower oxygen levels in the brain, and trigger instant cardiac failure.”
Several countries, including Australia and the UK, have reported an alarming increase in chroming-related incidents among minors. Despite repeated warnings, videos demonstrating or glamorizing the act continue to circulate online, often under misleading hashtags that disguise the danger.
Police Investigation
After Tommie-Lee’s death, Lancashire Police launched an investigation to determine whether negligence or other criminal factors played a role. Two adults — a 25-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman, both from Lancaster — were questioned.
According to BBC reports, the man was investigated for child neglect, drug possession with intent to supply, and money laundering, while the woman was questioned over alleged possession with intent to supply. Both have been released pending further inquiries.
Law enforcement officials said they are working closely with the family and community organizations to spread awareness about the dangers of inhalant abuse. “This tragedy underscores the need for vigilance among parents, educators, and social media companies,” one officer stated.
Calls for Accountability
Sherri-Ann Gracie believes that major platforms like TikTok must take stronger action. “It’s not enough to remove one video here and there,” she said. “They need to block these trends completely, educate their users, and take responsibility for the content they allow to spread.”
Her frustration is echoed by child-safety advocates, who argue that social media companies have been too slow to react to viral challenges that endanger young lives. “These algorithms reward engagement, not safety,” said Internet safety expert Laura Higgins. “If shocking content goes viral, it stays visible longer — and kids pay the price.”
Campaigners are now calling for mandatory safeguards, including faster removal of dangerous content and warnings for users who search related keywords. Some have suggested adding automatic pop-ups linking to drug and health education resources whenever users view or post videos involving hazardous substances.
A Legacy of Awareness
Though the pain remains unbearable, Tommie-Lee’s family hopes his story will serve as a wake-up call for parents and social platforms alike. “If speaking out saves even one life, then my son’s death won’t be in vain,” said his grandmother, Tina. “No parent should ever have to bury their child because of something they saw on the internet.”
Tommie-Lee’s mother has since joined local schools and youth groups to share her son’s story firsthand, encouraging open conversations between parents and children about online behavior and peer pressure. “Don’t assume your child knows better,” she told a recent audience. “They’re curious, they’re brave, and they’re exposed to things we never were. You have to talk about it — even if it’s uncomfortable.”
The Broader Impact
Tragically, Tommie-Lee’s death is not an isolated case. In recent years, several similar fatalities linked to chroming and other viral challenges have been reported worldwide. Experts stress that education and communication are the strongest defenses.
Parents are urged to monitor social media activity, use parental controls when appropriate, and encourage honest dialogue. Warning signs of inhalant abuse can include chemical odors, dizziness, red eyes, or unusual behavior.
While policymakers debate solutions, families like Tommie-Lee’s continue to live with the consequences. “I see his empty chair every morning,” Sherri-Ann said quietly. “It breaks me all over again. But I’ll keep talking about him — because if his story stops even one child from trying this, then that’s what he would’ve wanted.”
Remembering Tommie-Lee
At the heart of this tragedy was a child who loved football, playing games with his sister, and making everyone laugh. Friends remember him as funny, caring, and endlessly curious — a boy who wanted to explore the world, not leave it behind so soon.
His story is now a rallying cry — a reminder that the internet’s influence on young minds can be deadly if left unchecked. As his mother said through tears: “My boy thought he was just having fun. Please, please, don’t let this happen to yours.”
Tommie-Lee’s legacy may be born of heartbreak, but it carries a message too powerful to ignore — one that could save lives if the world is willing to listen.