Renna O’Rourke’s parents are speaking out after their daughter tragically passed away due to an internet challenge.
Renna was declared brain dead on June 1, following several days in intensive care. She was only 19 at the time of her passing.
Her cause of death was sudden sniffing death syndrome, a result of participating in a TikTok trend known as ‘dusting’. This involves inhaling aerosol products like computer dusting spray to get high, a practice also referred to as chroming or huffing.
Following this heartbreaking loss, her parents, Dana and Aaron O’Rourke, are now determined to spread awareness about this dangerous trend to prevent further tragedies.
In a conversation with AZ Family, Dana described Renna: “She was vivacious and caring and loyal.”
Her father shared: “She always said, ‘I’m gonna be famous, Dad. Just you watch. I’m gonna be famous’ and unfortunately this is not under the most optimal of circumstances.”
Dana also issued a stark warning to other parents: “There’s no ID required. It’s odorless. It’s everything kids look for. They can afford it, they can get it, and it doesn’t show in mom and dad’s drug test.”
Reflecting on Renna’s final moments, Dana recounted: “She spent the next seven days in the ICU. She never regained consciousness.”
“We don’t have children to bury them,” Dana lamented.
Dr. Randy Weisman, head of the Intensive Care Unit at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center, has also expressed concern over this alarming trend.
He explained, “When they inhale these chemicals in the gas it will actually replace the oxygen within their lungs and within the rest of their body.”
Even a single inhalation can lead to severe health issues, including liver failure, heart failure, and lung disease.
Dr. Weisman further warned: “She’s not the only one that this has happened to. Several other teenagers have succumb to this same disorder.”
In memory of Renna, the O’Rourke family has launched a GoFundMe page. As of now, it has raised over $10,000.
Aaron described his daughter on the page as “the light in every room she walked into.”
He added, “The pain that her family and friends feel is simply immeasurable.”
Funds collected will go towards medical expenses, burial costs, therapy, and spreading awareness about the dangers of Huffing/Dusting, according to Aaron.