12-year-old Lebanese boy dies attempting viral TikTok food challenge
Photo illustration: Annie Zhao
A tragic incident in Lebanon has claimed the life of 12-year-old Joe Skaff, who choked to death while attempting a viral TikTok food challenge at his school.
The “one-bite challenge,” where participants film themselves cramming entire foods into their mouths, inspired the boy to eat a croissant in a single bite during a break at Jannat Al-Atfal School in Keserwan, north of Beirut.
According to Lebanese media reports on Friday, Joe began choking on the pastry and was unable to breathe. Teachers and the school’s licensed nurse made urgent attempts to clear the blockage before paramedics arrived, but all efforts to save him proved unsuccessful.
The school expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “With hearts filled with grief and sorrow, we mourn the death of our dear son and sixth-grader Joe Skaff. Today, during the first break, Joe was exposed to a sudden tragic accident where he suffocated while eating.”
They also described Joe as “a special child with a bright personality and great kindness,” beloved by both his peers and the school staff.
