Arizona Teen Dies After Trying Deadly TikTok 'Dusting' Trend

Renna O’Rourke was trying the "dusting challenge" when she went into cardiac arrest

A 19-year-old Arizona woman has died after attempting the dangerous TikTok “dusting” trend, prompting her grieving parents to speak out against the deadly social media challenge that continues to gain traction among teens.

Renna O’Rourke, described by her family as a vibrant and caring young woman who loved to sing and dreamed of fame, suffered cardiac arrest after inhaling aerosol keyboard cleaner at her parents’ home in Tempe. According to her mother, Dana O’Rourke, the product was ordered via DoorDash without her knowledge. Renna was found unconscious and spent a week in the ICU before being declared brain-dead.

“She always said, ‘I’m going to be famous, Dad. Just you watch,’” her father, Aaron O’Rourke, recalled. “Unfortunately, this is not under the most optimal of circumstances.”

She was rushed to the hospital where she remained for a week before being declared brain dead

The practice, known as “dusting,” “chroming,” or “huffing,” involves inhaling fumes from household chemicals to induce a temporary high. Though the euphoric effects are brief, medical experts warn that inhalants can cause instant, fatal damage, particularly due to heart failure. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the risk of death is high even with a single use.

Renna’s parents are now channeling their grief into awareness, urging other parents to educate themselves and intervene before it’s too late.

Renna O’Rourke, 19, of Arizona, died after partaking in the "dusting" TikTok trend

“There’s no ID required. It’s odorless. It’s everything kids look for,” Dana said. “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.”

The O’Rourkes have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover hospital bills, burial, therapy, and outreach efforts. The fundraiser has already surpassed its $5,000 goal, with more than $9,000 raised.

Though inhalant abuse peaked in the 1990s, recent data shows a troubling resurgence. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 564,000 youth ages 12 to 17 used inhalants in 2022, down from 684,000 in 2015, but still alarmingly high.

Renna O’Rourke (pictured here as a child) liked to sing and always dreamed of being famous, her parents said

“People have been inhaling fumes for centuries,” said pediatrician Dr. Betty Choi. “The short-term effects are similar to being drunk but can quickly spiral into addiction and irreversible health damage. Chroming can become addictive when it’s done over and over again.”

The O’Rourke family hopes Renna’s tragic story will serve as a wake-up call to parents, teens, and social media platforms alike, urging vigilance and open conversations about the real-life consequences of viral trends.