A North Carolina teen’s family says he is “unrecognizable” after participating in a TikTok challenge left him with burns that covered 80 percent of his body.
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Mason Dark,16, was creating a makeshift torch with his friends by using a spray paint can and a lighter, which caused an explosion and caused the teen to be covered in flames. According to WRAL, his mother, Holli Dark, her son soothed his burns by jumping into the nearest river.
However, both actions worsened his condition, as he suffered third-degree burns after ripping off his shirt and running the risk of infection after jumping into the river. He was rushed to the UNC Burn Center after sustaining burns that covered 76 percent of his body and has undergone multiple surgeries to get skin grafts.
“[We] come to find out now from the surgery, that he’s got the third-degree burns … it’s like a T in his back and it was from him taking off his shirt, and then it got stuck or something,”
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His mother said the teen also played football and track before the unfortunate incident, and he is expected to spend six months at the burn center. Additionally, the family launched a GoFundMe page to pay for his medical expenses and reached a goal of $22,000 after its launch.
“My son Mason, needs your prayers. 75% of his body is burned. The accident occurred the afternoon of Sunday, April 23, 2023. He jumped into a river to extinguish the flames. The risk of infection from the river water is high, on top of having 2nd and 3rd degree burns. We are thankful to be at the UNC Burn Center in Chapel Hill. It is one of the top in the nation. Mason has a long road ahead of him. Please pray for his recovery. He is in an incredible amount of pain and is sedated. The first of many surgeries will be Wednesday, April 26. I am asking for prayers for the family, Holli, Julian and brother Austin (13) and any help with their needs: medical bills, gas, food, and housing during this time. Both Holli and Julian are self-employed and will try and balance some amount of work.”
Third-degree burns are severe injuries that require immediate attention. It is essential to remove the source of the burn, cool the burned area, and cover it with a sterile bandage. Do not use any ointments or creams and seek medical attention if the burn is severe. Do not fall for TikTok challenges or other viral trends that can cause harm to yourself or others. Always prioritize safety and proper medical treatment.