A New Zealand teenager is sharing his story after doctors removed a black, shriveled section of his lung—damage linked to years of constant vaping.

LeeRay King began using disposable vapes at age 14 after pressure from friends. Although he disliked the taste at first, he quickly became addicted. Within a week, he was vaping daily, often finishing several disposable devices each week. By age 16, it had become an all-day habit.

In August 2024, LeeRay suddenly developed severe pain on his left side and was rushed to the hospital. Tests showed a pneumothorax, a condition in which air leaks into the chest cavity and causes a lung to collapse. Over the next several months, his left lung collapsed four more times.

Doctors first attempted a procedure designed to help the lung adhere to the chest wall and prevent future collapses. When that failed, surgeons removed part of the chest wall lining. Ultimately, they had to take out a damaged portion of LeeRay’s lung. The tissue, shown in a striking medical photo, was dark, dried, and clearly unhealthy.

His mother, Kylee Jope, said she had never imagined vaping could cause such harm and described the experience as frightening. The family plans to bury the removed lung tissue under a tree as a reminder of what he endured.

Now recovering, LeeRay is warning other young people about the risks. He has spoken at a local school and says no teenager should have to face the pain he experienced. He also says he will never use a vape again.

His case has become a stark example of how heavy vaping can lead to serious, lasting medical problems—especially for developing lungs.