Boy, 11, died ‘after inhaling toxic fumes while doing suspected TikTok craze’ at sleepover, his pal reveals
A SCHOOLBOY died after inhaling toxic fumes in a suspected TikTok challenge while at a sleepover.
Tommie-lee Gracie Billington, 11, was unresponsive at his pal's house in Lancaster last Saturday.
He was rushed to hospital but tragically couldn't be saved and was declared dead shortly after.
Preston Coroner's Court heard today how Tommie-lee's friend told his mum the youngster had been "inhaling toxic substances".
Area coroner Kate Bissett confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the schoolboy's death.
Police have said the tragedy was being treated as unexplained and whether Tommie-lee had inhaled substances was one line of inquiry.
The hearing, which was not attended by his family, was opened and adjourned until June 6.
Tommie-lee's gran Tina Burns previously said her grandson was taking part in a dangerous TikTok craze when he died.
She added: "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.
"He had a heart of gold just like his dad. Our family is utterly devastated."
KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE
Internet expert Allison Troutner listed eight ways to keep kids safe online:
- Consider a family "tech agreement"
- Report any harmful content that you see
- Balance safety with independence
- Keep the computer in a common space
- Password-protect all accounts and devices
- Update your operating systems regularly
- Install security or antivirus software programs and a VPN on your computer
- Set parental controls
Find out more about each step inarticle by The Sun.
The boy's mum Sherri urged parents to keep their children away from the social media app following the tragedy.
She said: "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!”