In a disturbing and heartbreaking turn of events, a Filipino content creator has tragically lost his life after participating in a bizarre and dangerous food challenge that has since gone viral across social media platforms.

The Challenge That Cost a Life

The unnamed content creator, believed to be in his 30s and based in Leyte, Philippines, reportedly accepted a challenge from one of his online followers: eat the bones of two whole fried chickens in exchange for a promised ₱20,000 cash reward. Known for accepting extreme dares to entertain his growing fanbase, the vlogger decided to take on the challenge and recorded himself eating not just the chicken meat, but also chewing and swallowing the sharp, brittle bones.

The video quickly gained traction online, drawing both shock and morbid fascination from viewers. Some praised the man’s courage, while others expressed concern over the safety and consequences of the act. Within hours of posting the video, however, the tone shifted from intrigue to tragedy.

A Deadly Outcome

According to close relatives, the vlogger began experiencing severe abdominal pain shortly after completing the challenge. He initially dismissed the discomfort, believing it to be temporary or minor. But the pain escalated rapidly, leading to vomiting, fever, and signs of internal bleeding.

He was rushed to the nearest hospital, where doctors determined that fragments of chicken bones had pierced parts of his digestive system, causing internal injuries, blockages, and septic complications. Despite emergency treatment, his condition worsened, and he passed away within 48 hours of the incident.

His sudden death has left the family in shock, particularly because the money promised to him was never delivered. According to his sister, the person who dared him and pledged the ₱20,000 reward vanished online, deactivating their profile shortly after the video went viral.

Family in Mourning, Community in Outrage

The family of the deceased has expressed not only deep grief but also frustration and anger over what they see as an unnecessary, preventable loss. His younger brother described him as a kind, loving person who took on challenges not out of greed, but in hopes of earning extra money to support their struggling household.

“We begged him not to go through with it,” said one relative. “But he said it was just chicken bones and that he could handle it. He didn’t know it would cost him his life.”

Community members and netizens have since launched a wave of online support, with many calling for greater regulation of dangerous online trends and challenges. Several mental health advocates and influencers have spoken out about the pressure content creators face to generate views, likes, and engagement—even at the risk of their own well-being.

Health Experts Issue Strong Warning

Medical professionals have weighed in on the incident, issuing strong warnings against the consumption of hard or sharp food items such as animal bones, which can splinter and cause lethal internal damage. Physicians explained that bones can puncture the throat, esophagus, stomach, or intestines, and even small fragments can become lodged in areas that are difficult to treat.

Health officials also warned about the rising trend of extreme “mukbang” or food challenge content, urging platforms to implement stricter policies on dangerous content that may endanger lives.

A Cautionary Tale for All

This heartbreaking incident highlights the dark side of internet fame and the growing desperation among creators to meet the ever-escalating demands of viral culture. As social media continues to reward shock value and extremism, this tragic loss should serve as a wake-up call.

The man’s funeral was attended by friends, relatives, and neighbors who remembered him as a cheerful, helpful individual with dreams of providing a better life for his family. In death, he has become a symbol of both the risks of internet challenges and the need for compassion and accountability in digital spaces.

The online world has been left in mourning, and questions remain: how far is too far when chasing clout—and what will it take to ensure no one else dies for likes?