Home / Disasters and Accidents / Deodorant Tragedy: Boy, 11, Dies After Inhaling Fumes
Deodorant Tragedy: Boy, 11, Dies After Inhaling Fumes
28 Feb
Summary
- An 11-year-old boy died after inhaling toxic fumes from a deodorant aerosol.
- The tragic incident occurred during a sleepover with friends in March 2024.
- A coroner ruled the death as misadventure due to the boy's young age.
A family is mourning the tragic loss of 11-year-old Tommie-lee Gracie Billington, who died in March 2024 after inhaling toxic fumes from a deodorant aerosol during a sleepover. The coroner's inquest determined his death was a misadventure, stating that due to his young age, he likely did not comprehend the severe risks associated with such actions.
The incident unfolded at a friend's home in Lancaster. Emergency services were called after Tommie-lee was found unresponsive. Doctors attempted resuscitation for over an hour at the hospital, but he was tragically pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Evidence presented at Preston Coroner's Court indicated that Tommie-lee and a friend were seen inhaling the aerosol during a video call, with a Snapchat video labeled "This is what we are doing." Messages in a group chat also described Tommie-lee as looking unwell.
While initial police phone searches found no links to online trends, further investigation suggested another child at a skate park had demonstrated the practice. The boy's mother issued a heartfelt plea to parents to speak with their children about the dangers of experimenting with such substances. His father described Tommie-lee as a "whirlwind" full of life and energy.
