The family of Renna O’Rourke, a 19-year-old from Arizona, is mourning her sudden death after she became a victim of the dangerous social media trend known as “dusting.”
This viral trend involves inhaling computer cleaning spray, which can lead to serious, life-threatening consequences. Renna’s family is now working to raise awareness about the dangers of this trend in hopes of preventing other families from experiencing similar heartache.
The Tragic Incident
Renna O’Rourke passed away on Sunday, June 1, after spending four days in the ICU. Her father, Aaron O’Rourke, shared the heartbreaking news through a GoFundMe page, where he explained that Renna had been brain dead after inhaling dusting spray, a chemical commonly used to clean keyboards and computer equipment.
In an emotional interview with AZ Family, Aaron and his wife, Dana, shared the devastating impact of losing their daughter. Renna had always dreamed of becoming famous, often telling her father, “I’m gonna be famous, Dad. Just you watch.” Sadly, her fame came under tragic circumstances.
What is “Dusting”?
“Dusting,” also known as “chroming” or “huffing,” is a viral trend where individuals inhale cleaning sprays, such as compressed air, to get high. The practice has gained popularity among teens due to its accessibility and affordability.
These sprays, which are often sold without ID requirements, are odorless and don’t show up on drug tests, making them appealing to young people. However, the consequences of inhaling these chemicals are severe and can be fatal.
Renna’s mother, Dana O’Rourke, spoke to AZ Family, describing how easy it was for young people to obtain these cleaning sprays. “It’s odorless. It’s everything kids look for,” she said. “They can afford it, they can get it, and it doesn’t show in mom and dad’s drug test.”
The Devastating Consequences
Renna’s cause of death was ruled as “sudden sniffing death syndrome,” a rare but tragic result of inhaling toxic chemicals. Dr. Randy Weisman, the ICU director at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center, explained that while people who engage in dusting may initially feel euphoria and dizziness, the effects are short-lived. The chemicals in the spray can replace the oxygen in the lungs and bloodstream, leading to severe damage to the liver, heart, and lungs.
Dr. Weisman stressed that the danger of dusting is very real, with the potential for organ failure and death. “Failure of the liver, heart failure, disease of the lungs,” he said, highlighting the life-threatening risks involved with inhaling cleaning chemicals.
Renna’s Legacy and Family’s Message
Renna was described by her mother as “vivacious and caring and loyal,” and a video shared by AZ Family showed Renna singing in the kitchen, full of life and joy. Her family is devastated by her loss but is determined to use their tragedy to warn others about the dangers of dusting.
Aaron and Dana O’Rourke are using the GoFundMe proceeds not only to cover Renna’s medical bills, burial costs, and therapy expenses but also to raise awareness about the dangers of huffing and dusting. “We don’t have children to bury them,” Dana said, emphasizing the deep pain of losing a child.
The O’Rourkes are urging other parents to be vigilant about their children’s activities and not to simply trust what their kids say. “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,” Dana warned.