Promising teen football star tries to replicate a seemingly harmless TikTok challenge but it goes horribly wrong leaving him with severe disfigurement

A teenage boy tried to replicate a viral TikTok challenge, but he couldn’t presume that the “popular” challenge would take such a tragic turn. The seemingly “ordinary and harmless” TikTok challenge took a devastating turn, leaving him suffering from severe disfigurement with burns covering nearly 80% of his body.

The 16-year-old Mason and his friends embarked on an ill-fated endeavor to create a homemade torch by combining a spray paint can and a lighter. Tragically, this led to an unexpected explosion that engulfed the teenagers in flames.

The consequences were horrific, leaving Mason unrecognizable, according to his distraught mother, Holli.

The group had engaged in a dangerous TikTok challenge that has gained popularity on social media. This challenge involves utilizing flammable sprays to fashion miniature flamethrowers.

However, instead of extinguishing the flame, the spray canister unexpectedly detonated, resulting in a harrowing explosion.

Startled by the loud blast, Mason hastily discarded his burning garments, exacerbating his injuries and leaving him with a severe burn in the shape of a “T” on his back. In a misguided attempt to alleviate the pain, he sought refuge in a nearby river. Unfortunately, emerging from the water, his skin was left severely charred and discolored.

Consequently, Mason’s condition worsened. His mother revealed that he was immediately rushed to the UNC Burn Center, renowned for its expertise in treating burn victims. Tragically, his injuries are extensive, with burns affecting approximately 76% of his body.

Holli expressed the stark contrast between Mason’s appearance upon his arrival at the burn center and his current state, emphasizing the profound impact of the incident.

In his arduous journey towards recovery, Mason has already undergone multiple surgeries to undergo skin grafting, a procedure that involves transplanting healthy skin onto the burned areas. His mother aptly described this process as akin to planting grass seeds, patiently observing as her son’s skin gradually heals.

Given the severity of his burns, Mason, an active participant in football and track, is expected to remain at the burn center for an estimated six months. This prolonged period is necessary to facilitate his recovery and ensure he receives the comprehensive care and treatment he requires.

“Mason has a long road ahead of him. Please pray for his recovery. He is in an incredible amount of pain and is sedated,” Holli said.