Renna O'Rourke dies attempting dangerous online 'dusting' challenge
Share this @internewscast.com

A fame-seeking teenager died attempting an alarming social-media challenge called “dusting,” according to her heartbroken parents.

Renna O’Rourke, a 19-year-old from Arizona, tragically passed away on Sunday after participating in a dangerous online trend known as “chroming,” where individuals record themselves inhaling keyboard cleaning spray to achieve a high and gain online attention.

Her father, Aaron O’Rourke, shared with AZ Family, “She always said, ‘I’m gonna be famous, Dad. Just you watch. I’m gonna be famous,’ but sadly, this fame didn’t come about in the way she had hoped.”

The teenager from Tempe suffered a cardiac arrest and was immediately taken to the hospital. After spending a week unconscious in the intensive care unit, she was declared brain-dead.

Her cause of death was sudden-sniffing-death syndrome, or inhalant abuse.


Renna O'Rourke,
Renna O’Rourke, 19, died Sunday after trying the “dusting” challenge. Aaron O’Rourke/Facebook

“We don’t have children to bury them,” Renna’s mother, Dana, said through tears.

Dr. Randy Weisman, who heads the intensive care unit at Arizona’s HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center, said dusting makes the user feel high for a couple of minutes — but in that short amount of time, it can have an irreversible impact.

“When [people] inhale these chemicals in the gas, it will actually replace the oxygen within their lungs and within the rest of their body,” he told AZ Family.

“Failure of the liver, heart failure, disease of the lungs,” Weisman said of the resulting dangers.

Renna’s parents said they are sharing their tragic story to raise awareness about the fatal trend.


"Dusting" is a dangerous social media trend in which participants huff keyboard cleaner.
“Dusting” is a dangerous social media trend in which participants huff keyboard cleaner. Igor Nikushin – stock.adobe.com

“There’s no ID required” to buy the cleaner, Dana O’Rourke said. “[The spray] is odorless.

“[The method of getting high] is everything kids look for. They can afford it, they can get it, and it doesn’t show in Mom and Dad’s drug test.

“Don’t take your kid’s word for it. Dig deep. Search their rooms. Don’t trust — and that sounds horrible, but it could save their life,” she added.

Dusting users get high off chemicals that are different than the other inhalants also popular among teens, such as “whippets,” Dr. Weisman said.

Both are equally unsafe, he said, urging parents to talk to their children about the dangers of abusing household products.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Ashton Kutcher says his looks hurt his acting career

Ashton Kutcher Reveals How His Appearance Impacted His Acting Journey

Ashton Kutcher has confessed that his striking appearance may have sometimes been…
Photos of Eitan Levi, Uriel Baruch, and Tamir Nimrodi over photo of Israeli flag

IDF Discovers Anomalies: Hamas Returns Unidentified Body, Sparking Mystery Among Hostage Families

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday that one of the…
Parents of 2 US citizens demand return of their sons’ bodies and all deceased hostages held by Hamas in Gaza

Families of Two U.S. Citizens Urge for the Repatriation of Their Sons’ Bodies and All Deceased Hostages Held by Hamas in Gaza

Two American citizens remained among the hostages killed by Hamas as of…
Remains of last female Hamas hostage and IDF soldier handed over to Israel

Israel Receives Remains of Final Female Hamas Hostage and IDF Soldier

Amb. Waltz: No one will be left behind in Gaza U.S. Ambassador…
'No Kings' protest in St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s ‘No Kings’ Protest Draws Attention: Citizens Rally for Equality and Justice

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Protesters gathered in St. Augustine on Saturday as…
Camp Pendleton: I-5 freeway closed due to Marines anniversary event in Southern California

Camp Pendleton: I-5 Freeway Closure Announced for Marines Anniversary Celebration in Southern California

In a significant disruption, a 17-mile portion of the I-5 freeway in…
M.C.I. Foods recalls 91,585 pounds of burritos for Listeria risk

Urgent Recall: M.C.I. Foods Pulls 91,585 Pounds of Burritos Due to Listeria Contamination Risk

The recall affects three distinct brands: El Mas Fino, Los Cabos, and…
Simone Biles in Chicago: Olympic gymnast speaks with children in foster care system at Friends of the Children event in West Loop

Simone Biles Inspires Chicago’s Foster Youth: Olympic Legend Engages with Future Stars at Friends of the Children Event

In the Windy City, Olympic champion Simone Biles has become a familiar…
Illinois State University teacher's assistant flips Turning Point USA table, tears down flyers: 'Jesus did it'

Illinois State University TA Sparks Controversy by Dismantling Turning Point USA Display: ‘Inspired by Jesus

An Illinois State University teaching assistant found himself in legal trouble after…

Felony Charge Against California Labor Leader for Immigration Protest Downgraded

In Los Angeles, the head of a Southern California labor union, arrested…
CTU, IFT union news: Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates elected to lead Illinois Federation of Teachers

Stacy Davis Gates Elected to Lead Illinois Federation of Teachers, Strengthening Union Leadership Across Chicago

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates has been appointed as the…
78-year-old man missing in Oregon may have fallen in hole; police ask for help

Urgent Search: Oregon Police Seek Public’s Help to Find Missing 78-Year-Old Man Feared Fallen in Hole

In a bid to locate a missing elderly resident, Oregon authorities are…