“EVEN SMART, STRONG KIDS

CAN MAKE DUMB CHOICES

WITH DEADLY

CONSEQUENCES”

2010 QUOTE BY roman v
- erik’s friend -
age 12

These are a few of our beloved children who left us far too soon. Their spirit guides and inspires our work to create a safer future for all children and families.

ERIK
ROBINSON

Santa Monica, CA

  • Erik was 12 years old when he died as a result of accidental asphyxiation after participating in the online “Choking Game” (nowadays popularly known as the “Blackout Challenge”) just one day after learning about it.  That was April 21, 2010.

    Erik was actively engaged in life at school, in Boy Scouts, and baseball. He had definitive plans for the future, including already corresponding with West Point’s admissions department to ensure he would meet their physical fitness requirements when the time came to apply.

    — Judy Rogg, Erik’s Mom

    January 27, 1998 - April 21, 2010

alex
peiser

Hanahan, SC

  • Alex was 17 years old when he died by suicide after he was influenced by anonymous users online. Alex was a fun, sensitive kid who was active in Boy Scouts, theater, band and his church youth group. He had good grades in school. 

    — Sharon Winkler, Alex’s Mom

    August 10, 2000 - October 10, 2017

Becca
Schmill

Needham, MA

  • Becca was 18 when she died of fentanyl poisoning from drugs she purchased through a social media platform. Becca was a kind, caring person with a gift for making those around her feel loved and appreciated.

    — Deb Schmill,Becca’s Mom

    October 15, 2001 - September 16, 2020

Bodhi
Lindquist

Milwaukee, WI

  • My beautiful son Bodhi passed away early December 2025 from doing an accidental asphyxiation challenge. While he had numerous health issues (including ASD/ADHD), he was actively engaged in life.  He had just turned 15 and was looking forward to going to New York City for Christmas.  Bodhi loved japanime, drawing, bike riding and swimming.  I miss him dearly as do family and friends.

    — Heather Lindquist, Bodhi's mom

    November 24, 2016 - December 10, 2025

David
Molak

San Antonio, TX

  • David was 16 when he died by suicide after months of relentless and threatening cyberbullying. In the year leading up to David’s death, he was addicted to internet gaming and social media which caused anxiety and depression. David was an excellent basketball player who had an amazing recollection of sports stats. He was a fantasy football fanatic and never passed up an opportunity to dominate his family in Monopoly.

    — Maruine Molak, David's mom

    October 10, 1999 - January 4, 2016

Grace
McComas

Woodbine, MD

  • Grace was 15 years old when she died by suicide after being viciously cyberbullied and threatened on Twitter, then sexually harassed and bullied by her school peers. Grace was a wonderful human being who was well-loved. She was a bright light from birth, bouncing and happy, and grew into a deeply kind and gregarious teen with a great sense of humor. Grace was active in school activities including sports, music, and community service.

    — Christine McComas, Grace’s Mom

    October 9, 1996 - April 8, 2012

GRIFFIN
McGRATH

Madison, WI

  • Known as “Bubba” to his friends and family, Griffin was 13 years old when he died as a result of accidental asphyxiation after participating in the online “Blackout Challenge.” Griffin was an extraordinary and wickedly smart child. He placed third in the National Science Bowl competition just two weeks before he passed. Most of all he was a kind-hearted soul and touched everyone he met with his brilliance, genuineness, and quick wit.

    — Annie McGrath, Griffin’s Mom

    March 19, 2004 - February 28, 2018

Jack
McDonough

Green Bay, WI

  • Jack was my only child and his life mattered to me and many others. He was a gifted artist, athlete and a skilled hunter who cherished spending time with his friends and family. Jack was excited about the future, one that he would never have a chance to realize. Jack died on December 3, 2022 after purchasing one pill he believed to be Percocet but was fentanyl.

    Sadly, platforms like Meta and Snapchat continue to function as open-air drug markets, deny accountability and block reform.

    — Carrie Baeten, Jack’s Mom

    September 22, 2004 – December 3, 2022

Mason
Bogard

Evansville, IN

  • Mason was 15 years old when he died as a result of accidental asphyxiation after participating in the viral social media “Choking Challenge.” Mason was a normal teen who went to a good school, had great friends, and lived a healthy lifestyle. He was generous, kind, spiritual, and loved deeply. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping, woodworking, and entertaining his friends and family with his witty humor.

    — Joann Bogard, Mason’s Mom

    January 23, 2004 - May 4, 2019

Matthew E.
Minor

Accokeek, MD

  • Matthew was 12 when he died on March 7, 2019, as a result of accidental asphyxiation after participating in the online “Blackout Challenge.” He was a sweet, loving, carefree, and energetic boy with a charismatic personality—compassionate, affectionate, and known for his big hugs. Matthew loved being active, playing football and basketball, practicing martial arts, and spending time outdoors. He also cherished school, church, and praying with family, especially during gatherings at the family farm in Tappahannock, Virginia.

    While we can never get back what was lost, we are committed to raising awareness in our communities about the dangers of online harms.

    — Todd and Mia Minor, Matthew’s parents

    December 20, 2006 - March 7, 2019

McKenna
Brown

Tampa Bay, FL

  • McKenna was 16 when she died by suicide after being cyberbullied on social media. She was a gifted high school senior who had a way of making every person she encountered feel like they were the most important person in the room. McKenna had many future plans, including college hockey, flag football, and travel. She cared infinitely, was fiercely loyal, and always saw the good in everyone around her.

    — Cheryl Brown,McKenna’s Mom

    September 6, 2005 - August 7, 2022

Walker
Montgomery

Starksville, MS

  • Walker was 16 years old when he died by suicide after he was sextorted by an anonymous online predator on Instagram. Walker was a well adjusted teenager with a great social circle. He had no depression or social problems at all. 

    — Brian Montgomery, Walker’s Dad

    November 1, 2006 - December 1. 2022

GAGE
DOBSON

Basking Ridge, NJ

  • Gage was smart, curious, and kind. He loved making people laugh. He enjoyed soccer, video games with friends, and helping others whenever he could. Easygoing and generous, he was the kind of kid everyone loved to be around—always ready with a smile, a big hug, or support for a friend. He was also naturally cautious and not someone who sought out risky behavior.

    Gage was introduced to the “pass out” challenge through videos on YouTube and Instagram. What he and his friends saw looked harmless tragically led to his death. We learned the hardest way possible that this can happen to any family.

    – Laurie and Bill Dobson, Gage’s parents

    August 27, 2002 - February 28, 2017

Tristen W.
Mackintosh

Tallmadge, OH

  • Tristen was 10, almost 11, when he passed away from accidental asphyxiation.  Tristen was the best son anyone could ever hope for. He had an old soul. He loved music, love jamming out to 80s and 90s music especially. He wanted to take drum lessons. He was very artistic,  and took pride in his drawings. He was in MMA and baseball and also  dabbled in basketball and wrestling.  He was kind and caring.  He was loving and a great friend to all.  But most of all, he loved being with his family!

    And although he had be warned, his curiosity got the best of him. My sweet boy, we all miss you so much

    – Heather Burgess, Tristen’s mom

    July 19, 2008 - April 23, 2019

XANDER
WORTHLEY

Rensselaer Falls, NY

  • Xander was a bright, caring, crazy 12-year-old kid who died from accidental asphyxiation after finding a video on YouTube called "The Chocking Challenge". 

    Xander loved the outdoors but loved gaming just a little bit more. He was all about Minecraft and watching YouTube videos to help him build his world better than his older twin brothers. Xander was known for his enormous smile that could light up a room. Xander was loved by everyone and loved everyone. He is missed dearly!

    – Sondra Worthley, Xander’s mom

    June 26, 2009 - March 21, 2022

JACK T.
PICKLES

Calderdale, England

  • Always my littleman, always his monster-mum

    – Selina Booth, Jack’s mom

    April 4, 2000 - March 21, 2022

ZACHARY GIST
JONES

Centerville, OH

  • My sweet and precious son, Zachary was an adventurous 16 year old boy when he passed away from The Choking Game. He watched videos on media platforms which gave him the idea to try the deadly game.

    Zachary was such a kind and generous kid, the sparkle in his eyes would make you smile. He loved hunting, fishing, socializing with friends and family.  He was an athlete and was a good wrestler. 

    Zachary was my mini-me. He was my shadow and I miss him every single day.  His family and friends also miss him. 

    – Robin Jones, Zach’s mom

    August 7, 2001 - August 26, 2017

ANDREW N.
FREEMAN

North Pole, AK

  • Andrew was such a loving kid! His best friend was his Gram. He spent a lot of the summers with her before we moved to Alaska. He loved wrestling. He loved camping and fishing. His little brother was only 11 months old and he never knew his baby sister. She was born 7 months later. They truly missed out on knowing him, but we have pictures of him throughout the house.

    – Sharon Freeman, Andrew’s mom

    February 8, 1993 - March 29, 2006

COLSON RYO
KING

Ogden, IA

  • Colson was very excited to learn everything about life . Maybe to much so when he decided to try asphyxiation challenge and it ended taking away his future . We Miss him terribly every day.

    – Lindsay Bartling, Colson’s mom

    December 18, 2011 - April 14, 2026

JACK PAUL
Servi

Sun Prairie, WI

  • Jack died at 16 after participating with his friends in a choking challenge. I was able to unlock the phone 6 months after his death and saw all the horrific content of the choking game.

    Jack was an illuminator who lit up every room and had a presence about him. He was well loved and made people smile wherever he went.  He was honored by the Sun Prairie school district and received an honorary diploma.  He was never in a hurry to go anywhere and he is missed dearly every moment of every day. 

    – Michelle Servi, Jack’s mom

    March 27, 2000 - August 19, 2016

NIGEL
SIMPKINS

Cottonwood, AZ

  • Nigel was our whole heart.

    Nigel was smart, funny, and kind. He was one of those people who just got it. He loved cats, skateboarding, and played guitar religiously. He was a wonderful cook and enjoyed sharing snacks with his friends. Nigel could not pass by a person in need without helping them. He supported his lgbtq friends. He was a son, brother, grandson, cousin and one of the coolest kids ever. 

    He had the best laugh and the warmest hugs. 

    — Carmen Mouritsen, Nigel’s Mom

    October 28, 2006 - April 8, 2021

London Izabella
- Ryén Gadd

Ovid, MI

  • London, you are forever our Sunshine. Your love, laughter, art, courage, and beautiful heart continue to guide everything we do. We carry you in every sunrise, every snowflake, every song, and every child we fight to protect. Your story will help open eyes, change hearts, and protect other children from the harms that stole you from us. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever 12.

    Forever Loved,

    — Charay Gadd, London’s Mom

    February 3, 2012 - August 1, 2024

ETHAN B.
VAN LITH

Sammamish, WA

  • Ethan was 13 playing select baseball, guitar, piano, and earning straight A’s.  During the summer of 2020 he came across a social media harm called “the choking game.”   Ethan was a very sweet and bright kid with lots of aspirations in life.  He tried it once, and failed.  It can happen to any child, and that notion was proven the day Ethan passed.  If you think that “that could never happen to me” it can.

    —Jeff Van Lith. Ethan’s dad

    June 15, 2007 – August 12, 2020

KESTON BROOKS ROUNDY

W. Valley City, UT

  • The life you lived and the motto you stood by, I CAN DO HARD THINGS. Has left a lasting impact on not just me but all those who knew you. We miss you so very much and not a day goes by that we don’t speak of you and your cute and tender ways you lived your life. Looking forward to the day we are reunited my handsome boy. I love you most. 

    —Sage King, Keston’s mom

    June 23 2004, Feb 7 2018

Sammy B. Chapman

Santa Monica, CA

  • Sammy was a bright, strong, healthy teenage boy whose life was taken via Snapchat when a dealer offered him a free, (counterfeit) drug that contained fentanyl.

    — Samuel P. Chapman, Sammy’s dad

    June 6, 2004 - February 7,2021

URIAH
Martin

Kalamazoo, MI

  • Uriah was one of those boys who could lift your heart with one of his hugs, they were so precious to me. And to so many others.

    He would stick up for the underdog, and if he could help someone out, he did. Not being able to see him grow up to be an amazing man, father, grandfather ... is hard. 

    Uriah was the very best part of me, and he is greatly missed,everyday. 

    — Toni Kehrberg-Martin, Uriah’s mom

    April 16, 1996 - November 14, 2008

PARKER O. HANSER

Chesterfield, MO

  • Parker died from accidental asphyxiation after participating in the choking game. Although the game had been played at his school, just one week earlier he had watched a rerun of the Criminal Minds episode "Risky Business," depicting teens taking part in the so-called "game." He was found hanging in his room in a manner strikingly similar to the television portrayal.  Following Parker's death, his family shared his story publicly to help raise awareness and protect other children.

    Parker was a swim coach assistant for children with special needs, volunteered at our child care center, was active in Boy Scouts, enjoyed soccer, had a steady girlfriend, and loved life. Kind, caring, and always willing to help others, he is deeply missed.

    — Jenifer Hanser, Parker’s mom

    September 24, 1999 – March 13, 2015

ANNALEE SCHOTT

Merino, CO

  • Annalee's life ended tragically by suicide, at the age of 18 after her mental health was affected by the addictive algorthims that exposed her to disturbing and graphic self-harm and suicide content. Her story underscores the urgent need for stronger online protections, greater awareness of social media's impact on mental health and compassionate support before their pain becomes unbearable. Annalee's story is a call for everyone to do more to protect children online. 

    — Lori & Avery Schott, Annalee’s parents

    December 2, 2002 - November 15, 2020

CARSON
BRIDE

Lake Oswego, OR

  • Carson died by suicide in 2020 at age 16 after being viciously cyberbullied by his high school classmates who were using anonymous apps on Snapchat to hide their identities.  Carson was funny, creative, spirited and had endless energy. He was sensitive and would reach out to anyone having a bad day and try to make it better. He loved scary movies and playing League of Legends with his friends.  He could recite Shakespeare from memory, was an amazing actor and loved playing Magic the Gathering with his older brother and in game store tournaments.  He had a warm laugh and a tight hug that would lift you off the ground. His loss has left a permanent hole in our family and in our hearts.

    — Kristin Bride, Carson’s Mom

    November 27, 2003 - June 23, 2020

  • FROM ROMAN V - FRIEND OF ERIK's

    “Erik Robinson was a larger than life young man who would stop at nothing to achieve his best and be the best. That was the attitude that made so many like him. In an instant that vanished. All because of a game that takes lives within a few minutes. It doesn't matter if you're a straight A student and you want to get dizzy for a minute. Because Erik had straight A's and he didn't realize the dangers of this deadly game. I wish I never had to write this, but someday this could be your friend. You don't know what you have until it's all gone. ...“

  • FROM STEPHEN G - FRIEND OF ERIK'S (1 of 3)

    “WHAT A TRUE AND HONEST FRIEND CAN TRULY MEAN TO YOU: 

    For the 4 great years that I knew Erik he was one of the most valuable friends that I was ever lucky enough to be able to truly care about, who I still think about to this day.  When I met him I was unhappy with my life in Los Angeles and I had just joined Cub Scouts.  He, who was a complete stranger to me, was kind enough to invite me to his birthday party in a hockey arena.  It was a memory that still makes tears come to my eyes.  After that moving experience in the hockey rink we really were just about set up as very caring and close friends who shared a passion. …”

  • FROM STEPHEN G - FRIEND OF ERIK's (2 of 3)

    “… Erik was, to say the least, a young activist about the armed forces and military stuff.  Both of my parents are members of the US military so naturally he flocked to me and my family.  We were also big fans of Nerf, Star Wars, and especially exercising military style together in the mornings that one of us slept over at each other's house.  I remember when he and his mother came to chill with us in Pennsylvania for a few days. …”

  • FROM STEPHEN G - FRIEND OF ERIK'S (3 of 3)

    “…Erik was really at the top level of loving life and I was really down in the dumps.  I had no friends except him and a few kids who went to different schools. I was a C+ student at best, and I was honestly sometimes afraid to be myself.

    I find it mystifying that someone who motivated me to pursue the advanced courses I'm studying right now passed away from this "game" just a few weeks later.  Erik was the greatest friend and person I have ever known and probably will ever know and I will miss him for the remainder of my life.  R.I.P Erik.”