Tommie-Lee Billington, an 11-year-old from Lancaster, England, tragically died after trying a risky TikTok challenge during a sleepover. The challenge involves inhaling substances like dry shampoo or spray deodorant for a high. Tommie’s grandmother, Tina Burns, shared, “The hospital did everything to try and bring him back but nothing worked. He was gone.”
His mother, Sherri, expressed her grief and urged other parents to discuss the dangers of such challenges with their children. On Facebook, she said, “This cost my son his life from trying something other kids are doing.”
Tommie’s death follows that of 13-year-old Esra Haynes, who also died from a similar challenge. Sherri is committed to raising awareness to prevent further tragedies. She concluded, “I will make sure to the best of my ability that your name and your beautiful face will become the reason that other children’s lives will be saved.”
The loss highlights the critical need for parents to talk about social media safety.