A tragic social media challenge has claimed another life. This time, it was the 19-year-old Renna O’Rourke from Arizona. Known for her infectious energy and dreams of stardom, Renna died on June 1 after attempting the TikTok trend known as “dusting” or “huffing”. It is a dangerous trend of sorts where young folks unknowingly inhale compressed gas from computer dusting spray to get high.
She was left brain-dead after four days in intensive care.
“She always said, ‘I’m gonna be famous, Dad. Just you watch,’” her father, Aaron O’Rourke, told AZ Family in an emotional June 5 interview. “Unfortunately, this is not under the most optimal of circumstances.”
🚨”DUST”
TikTok⏰RENNA
“She always said, ‘I’m going to be famous, dad. Just you watch. I’m going to be famous,’ & (unfortunately, this is not under the most optimal of circumstances)”😳
Aaron O’Rourke, told the outlet
DUSTing trend, aka CHROMING or HUFFINGhttps://t.co/DQyUjemjet pic.twitter.com/pSDe3hgTl7— MichaelScott (@WireBrushWizard) June 7, 2025
The family’s heartbreak now fuels a mission to raise awareness about the consequences of seemingly harmless trends.
What Is The Viral ‘Dusting’ Trend Behind This Preventable Death?
This trend is also called “chroming” or “huffing.” It requires a person to breathe in aerosol sprays, like those you use for dusting off your computer. Reportedly, it’s a quick way to get a buzz, like a little high. The stuff in the cans usually has strong chemical difluoroethane.
When someone inhales it, it can allegedly make them feel all loopy and out of it, kind of like when someone’s had a bit too much to drink or they are high on some drug. But that lasts only for a few minutes. The consequences, however, can be fatal.
Dr. Randy Weisman, ICU director at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center, explained to the AZ Family that these chemicals displace oxygen in the lungs and bloodstream, which can result in liver failure, heart problems, and ultimately, death.
“When they inhale these chemicals in the gas, it will actually replace the oxygen within their lungs and within the rest of their body,” Weisman said. “It can lead to failure of the liver, heart failure, disease of the lungs.”
Renna’s death has been officially attributed to sudden sniffing death syndrome, a known and often irreversible outcome of inhalant abuse.
Her parents stressed how deceptively accessible these products are. “There’s no ID required. It’s odorless. It’s everything kids look for,” her mother, Dana, said. “They can afford it, they can get it, and it doesn’t show in mom and dad’s drug test.”
A Family’s Grief Becomes a Plea
Renna O’Rourke wasn’t your typical teen trying to get famous on TikTok. No, she was a full-of-life young lady who adored singing, had a heart overflowing with care for others, and had a knack for dreaming big. A video her family posted captures her in her element, passionately singing in the kitchen, lighting the whole place up with her vibe.
“She was vivacious and caring and loyal,” Dana said, mourning the daughter she’ll never see grow up.
REST IN PEACE 🙏 The parents of Renna Kay O’Rourke are warning other families about a dangerous TikTok trend that led to their daughter’s death. https://t.co/i4TxAeRrAC pic.twitter.com/YZ8ZrwJyA7
— 10 Tampa Bay (@10TampaBay) June 7, 2025
The O’Rourkes have set up a GoFundMe to cover Renna’s hospital and funeral expenses and to raise awareness about the dangers of dusting. They hope to prevent the next tragedy from beginning.
Aaron and Dana are now urging other parents to dig deeper. “Don’t take your kids’ word for it. Dig deep. Search their rooms. Don’t trust, and that sounds horrible, but it could save their life.”
