Young Boy with a Golden Heart Passes Away Following ‘Chroming’ Trend at Sleepover
In a heart-wrenching incident, Tommie-Lee Gracie Billington, an 11-year-old described as having a “heart of gold,” tragically passed away following involvement in the perilous chroming phenomenon, fueled by social media influence. The sorrowful event unfolded at a friend’s residence in Lancaster, where emergency responders were dispatched to Greenset Close shortly after midnight on Saturday, only to declare Tommie-Lee deceased at the hospital.
The grieving grandmother, Tina Burns, revealed the immediate cause of death as inhalation of lethal vapors linked to ‘chroming’, a risky practice where individuals inhale aerosol paint or household chemical fumes to achieve euphoria. This hazardous activity is known for its potentially fatal consequences and the risk of severe health issues over both short and long terms.
In the wake of this tragedy, Ms. Burns has embarked on a mission to heighten awareness about the dangers associated with ‘chroming’, aiming to prevent other families from enduring similar anguish. Through a heartfelt Facebook post, she expressed her determination to save lives in her grandson’s memory, stating, “I will make sure to the best of my ability that your name and your beautiful face will become the reason that other children’s lives will be saved and other families don’t have to suffer this deep, deep hurt”.
Ms. Burns further shared her profound grief on social media, lamenting the loss of her “little whirlwind” and articulating the devastation of her “literally broken” heart following Tommie-Lee’s untimely departure.
The ‘chroming’ trend, notably prevalent on TikTok in 2023, is part of a long-standing issue where individuals seek highs through inhaling dangerous substances. The local police, responding to the tragic incident, indicated that the death is being treated as unexplained while awaiting further investigation, with the coroner duly informed. Lancashire Police extended their condolences to Tommie-Lee’s family and urged anyone with information to come forward, as the community mourns the loss of a young life cut tragically short.