Parents issue urgent warning after daughter dies from taking part in viral ‘dusting’ trend
The parents of 19-year-old Renna O’Rourke are sharing a heartfelt warning following the loss of their daughter, who died after participating in a dangerous social media trend involving inhalants.
Renna was declared brain dead on June 1 after spending several days in the intensive care unit. Her cause of death was determined to be Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome, a condition linked to inhaling aerosol products—a practice referred to online as “dusting.”
Also known as huffing or chroming, the trend involves inhaling substances like computer dusting spray to experience a temporary high. The practice is not new, but it has gained renewed traction among teens on platforms like TikTok, prompting alarm from medical professionals and families.
“She Never Regained Consciousness”
Renna’s mother, Dana O’Rourke, described her daughter as “vivacious, caring, and loyal” in an emotional interview with AZ Family. Her father, Aaron, recalled a bittersweet memory:
“She always said, ‘I’m gonna be famous, Dad. Just you watch.’ Unfortunately, it’s not under the circumstances we ever imagined.”
Renna collapsed after inhaling aerosol spray and was rushed to the ICU, where she remained unconscious for a week before being pronounced brain dead.
“We don’t have children to bury them,” Dana said through tears.
“She spent the next seven days in the ICU. She never regained consciousness.”
A Hidden Danger in Plain Sight
The O’Rourkes are now on a mission to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of products commonly found in households and office supply stores. These aerosol cans are accessible, affordable, and legal—making them particularly risky for unsupervised teens.
“There’s no ID required. It’s odorless. It’s everything kids look for,” Dana explained.
“They can afford it, they can get it, and it doesn’t show in mom and dad’s drug test.”
Expert Warnings From the Medical Community
Dr. Randy Weisman, an ICU physician at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center, emphasized how inhaling chemical gases can cause instant and irreversible damage:
“When they inhale these chemicals, it replaces the oxygen in their lungs and their bloodstream. It can take just one huff to cause heart failure, liver damage, or even death.”
He added that Renna is not alone, noting that several other teens have suffered similar outcomes from the same behavior.
A Family’s Grief Turns Into Advocacy
To honor Renna’s memory, her family has launched a GoFundMe campaign that has already raised over $10,000. The funds will help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, therapy, and efforts to spread awareness about the life-threatening risks of inhalant use.
Aaron wrote on the campaign page:
“Renna was the light in every room she walked into. The pain that her family and friends feel is simply immeasurable.”
The O’Rourkes hope that by speaking publicly, they can prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.
A Call to Action for Parents and Teens
Renna’s story is a sobering reminder of how quickly a popular but dangerous online trend can lead to tragedy. Experts encourage parents to talk openly with their children about the risks of inhalants and to remain vigilant for signs of misuse—even with everyday household products.
