An 11-year-old boy has died after taking part in a dangerous social media trend known as “chroming.” The trend involves inhaling fumes from household products, such as aerosol deodorant, to feel a brief high.
Freddie Davis was found unresponsive in his bedroom in January 2025. His mother had gone to wake him for the day but quickly realized something was wrong. Emergency services were called, but he could not be saved.
A coroner later ruled that Freddie died from inhaling butane gas from a body spray can. Toxicology tests confirmed the presence of aerosol propellants in his system. His death was recorded as accidental.
Freddie’s mother had previously warned him about the dangers of inhaling aerosols. After noticing he was using deodorant too quickly, she had switched him to a roll-on product. Despite her efforts, he was still able to access a spray can.
Health experts warn that inhaling aerosols can cause serious harm. Breathing in large amounts of these fumes can lead to breathing problems, heart rhythm changes, loss of consciousness, and even sudden death.
Freddie’s family is now urging parents to speak openly with their children about the risks of viral online trends. What may seem harmless or temporary can have tragic and permanent consequences.