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
Viral ‘bananas and rice’ Somali woman arrested for allegedly participating in Minneapolis riot

Viral Sensation ‘Bananas and Rice’ Somali Woman Arrested for Alleged Role in Minneapolis Riot

A Somali American woman who gained online fame for her unique cultural…
Lemont students honor legacy of astronauts killed in space shuttle disaster at Challenger Learning Center in Hammond

Lemont Students Commemorate Challenger Astronauts’ Legacy at Hammond’s Challenger Learning Center

In Hammond, Indiana, a remarkable fusion of science and education is taking…
Coco Gauff smashes racket in frustration after Australian Open loss to Elina Svitolina, video shows

Coco Gauff’s Emotional Moment: Racket Smash After Tough Australian Open Defeat to Elina Svitolina

In Melbourne, Australia, Coco Gauff vented her frustration on her tennis racket…
Supreme Court ruling raises new questions about future of stalking cases in Florida

Supreme Court Decision Sparks New Discussions on the Future of Stalking Cases in Florida

Coles Whalen, an up-and-coming singer and songwriter, faced a dramatic upheaval in…
Fourth Maine plane crash victim identified as Hawaiian chef

Hawaiian Chef Confirmed as Fourth Victim in Maine Plane Crash

A Hawaiian chef has been confirmed as one of the six individuals…
Rooster-fighting ring busted: Neighbor recalls the signs, crime expert weighs in

Illegal Rooster-Fighting Ring Uncovered: Neighbor’s Tip Leads to Bust, Crime Expert Analyzes Hidden Clues

In a significant breakthrough, Jacksonville police have dismantled a clandestine rooster-fighting ring,…
Career criminal accused of killing elderly woman in violent home invasion after skipping court days earlier

Career Criminal Allegedly Murders Elderly Woman in Brutal Home Invasion After Evading Court Appearance

A Texas man with a history of three prior convictions is once…
Border czar suggests fewer ICE agents in Minneapolis, but only after 'cooperation' from state officials

Border Czar Proposes Reduced ICE Presence in Minneapolis, Contingent on Collaboration with State Authorities

Following the tragic incident involving the shooting of a protester by federal…
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Walz shocks with misguided Holocaust comparison

Governor Walz’s Controversial Holocaust Comparison Sparks Outrage: Fox News Exposes Antisemitism

Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter delivers insights on the increasing anti-Jewish sentiment…
St. John's won't play in CBS Sports Classic again next season

St. John’s Opts Out of 2024 CBS Sports Classic: Strategic Move or Missed Opportunity?

St. John’s brief stint in the CBS Sports Classic has come to…
VMI cadets fight back as Virginia Democrats threaten to close historic military college

Virginia’s Historic VMI Faces Closure: Cadets Rally Against Democratic Threats

Cadets at Virginia Military Institute have rallied to defend their esteemed military…
Video appears to show Alex Pretti spit at federal agents, violently damage SUV days before fatal CBP shooting

Shocking Video Surfaces: Alex Pretti Allegedly Assaults Federal Agents, Vandalizes SUV Prior to Fatal CBP Shooting

A recently surfaced video purportedly captures Alex Pretti engaging in a confrontation…