A North Carolina teenager has been left ‘unrecognizable’ after attempting a TikTok challenge which left him with burns on 75 percent of his body.
Mason Dark was rushed to the UNC Burn Center in Chapel Hill after trying out a TikTok challenge that involved spraying a highly inflammable paint aerosol into a lighter.
The 16-year-old - who jumped in a river to extinguish the flames - was in desperate need of surgery when he arrived at the hospital.
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After suffering 2nd and 3rd degree burns all over his body, his first 'of many' surgeries was on Wednesday, April 26, according to his mother.
The avid footballer player could be set for a lengthy stay in the burn unit for at least six months.
Dark's mother Holli told WRAL that her son his now 'unrecognizable'.
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She said: "The way he looked when those kids saw him when he first came in, to what he looks like now, it's 100 times different.
"They all heard a big boom, and then Mason came running out and [he] started taking off his shirt.
"[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."
A GoFundMe has since been set up following the incident.
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"My son Mason, needs your prayers. 75 percent of his body is burned," Holli wrote.
"The accident occurred the afternoon of Sunday, April 23, 2023," the mum added. "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.
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"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."
His Grandma Heidi, also said: "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.
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"Both Holli and Julian are self-employed and will try and balance some amount of work. Mason is a very active 16 yr old.
"Plays football for his high school and runs track in the summer for a local club.
"He has a job that he enjoys. He looks forward to getting his license. We thank you for your prayers and support."
At the time of writing, the family have $39,729 USD raised of their $50,000 goal.
UNILAD has contacted TikTok for comment.
Anish Vij