Boy, 12, dies after he choked himself with a shoelace for TikTok 'Blackout Challenge'


Boy, 12, dies more than two weeks after he choked himself with a shoelace for the TikTok ‘Blackout Challenge’

  • Twelve-year-old Joshua Haileyesus, of Colorado, has died, according to family
  • He was found breathless in the bathroom by his twin brother on March 22 
  • His family believes he may have been using a shoelace to take part in the ‘Blackout Challenge’ which has been circulating on TikTok over the last year
  • Also known as ‘the fainting game’, ‘the game of choking’ or ‘speed dreaming’, the trend challenges users to choke themselves until they pass out

A 12-year-old Colorado boy, who was left brain dead last month after his parents say he used a shoelace to choke himself until he lost consciousness for TikTok’s ‘Blackout Challenge’, has died. 

The family of Joshua Haileyesus shared an update on a GoFundMe page that confirmed his passing. 

‘After fighting the good fight on life support for 19 days, Joshua has gone off to be with the Lord,’ the family wrote. 

‘Your prayers and your love have comforted us and we are grateful for your support.’ 

Joshua Haileyesus (pictured), 12, who was left brain dead last month after his parents say he used a shoelace to choke himself until he lost consciousness for TikTok 's 'Blackout Challenge', has died

Joshua Haileyesus (pictured), 12, who was left brain dead last month after his parents say he used a shoelace to choke himself until he lost consciousness for TikTok ‘s ‘Blackout Challenge’, has died

Joshua was found passed out in the bathroom of his home by his twin brother on March 22. His family (pictured) believe he may have been using the shoelace to take part in the 'blackout challenge' which has been circulating on TikTok over the last year

Joshua was found passed out in the bathroom of his home by his twin brother on March 22. His family (pictured) believe he may have been using the shoelace to take part in the ‘blackout challenge’ which has been circulating on TikTok over the last year

Joshua was found passed out in the bathroom of his home by his twin brother on March 22. 

His brother tried to resuscitate him until neighbors and the ambulance arrived, according to the family. 

His family believes he may have been using the shoelace to take part in the Blackout Challenge, which has been circulating on TikTok over the last year. 

‘Unbeknownst to his parents, Joshua had been playing this dangerous game completely unaware of the risks involved,’ the family wrote on GoFundMe. 

Joshua was intubated for more than two weeks before being taken off life support after doctors said his chance for survival was ‘extremely unlikely’.  

Also known as ‘the fainting game’, ‘the game of choking’ or ‘speed dreaming’, the trend challenges users to choke themselves until they pass out for a few seconds.  

Joshua was intubated for more than two weeks before being taken off life support after doctors said his chance for survival was 'extremely unlikely'

His family said he loved to barbecue

Joshua was intubated for more than two weeks before being taken off life support after doctors said his chance for survival was ‘extremely unlikely’ 

In January a 10-year-old Italian girl accidentally killed herself after she took part. 

Joshua is said to have spoken with his brother about holding his breath for a minute. 

Joshua is being remembered as a youngster who was ‘incredibly intelligent, funny, caring, and gifted’.

‘Together with his twin brother, he would learn and master new hobbies out of pure curiosity and drive. Whether it was playing soccer, barbecuing sophisticated meals (better than any adult in our family can), practicing professional photography, experimenting with 3D modeling software, learning the ins-and-outs of acting including screen-writing and costume design, playing guitar, and planning his future of joining the Army before becoming a First Responder,’ his family shared. 

His family also urged the community to spread awareness about Joshua and ‘the real risks involved in not having knowledge of what kinds of activities children are involved in’. 

In an interview with Fox19, Joshua’s father, Haileyesus Zeryihun, warned other parents about such challenges: ‘I’m paying the price right now. I’m living the life, and I hate for other parents to go through this.

‘This is something that kids need to be given to be taught, to be counseled. Because this is a serious a serious thing. It’s not a joke at all. And you can treat it as if somebody is holding a gun. This is how dangerous this is.’  

Joshua is survived by his parents and brothers Caleb, Abenezer, and Nathan who was born just five months ago. 

How to report the Blackout Challenge on TikTok

If you see anybody promoting the Blackout Challenge on TikTok or any other social media platforms, please report the content immediately.

To report the Blackout Challenge on TikTok:

Click on the white arrow on the right-hand side of the video.

Press the icon that says ‘report’ with a flag symbol.

Select ‘suicide, self-harm and dangerous acts’.

If anybody contacts you telling you to take part in the challenge, please do not reply and report the account immediately. 

Call the toll-free 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) 

Also known as ‘the fainting game’, ‘the game of choking’ or ‘speed dreaming’, the trend challenges users to choke themselves until they pass out for a few seconds

Also known as ‘the fainting game’, ‘the game of choking’ or ‘speed dreaming’, the trend challenges users to choke themselves until they pass out for a few seconds

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